Faramir Fiction Archive

Only if… (NC-17)

Written by Sairalinde and Anorienbean

29 June 2007 | 85653 words

Characters: Haldir/Faramir
Category: FPS AU
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Us.
Feedback: Yes, please to sairalinde@hornofgondor.com or anorien.bean@gmail.com or the form below.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: This did not happen, no money was made from this story, and we are not in any way implying anything about the characters mentioned within.
Summary: When Faramir has to take a slave in order to save him from the harsher masters, both he and his unwilling slave have a difficult time coming to terms with the situation.

---

Chapter 1

“Captain? I am sorry to interrupt your meeting but the men have taken more prisoners.”

Faramir looked up and nodded to Damrod. “I’ll be down soon.”

It was another hour before Faramir managed to go down to the holding cells where prisoners were kept. Most often the Elves that they captured were sold as slaves, and Faramir often chose which auctions they would go to; laborer, pleasure, or serving slaves were the categories based on the Elf’s demeanor. Of course the pleasure slaves brought the most money, but not all were suited for that.

Elves and Men had disliked each other all these centuries, over the Ring of Power that Isuldur had kept, and had lost. Men knew the Elves had been greatly insulted by his betrayal and the last alliance had ended with bloodshed among the ‘allies’. But all these years later no one seemed to really know why they hated one another, they just did. Prisoners were taken and made into slaves on both sides of the ‘war’, yet they all still battled a common enemy from Mordor. If one thought about it for too long, you’d develop a headache quickly enough. If they would put aside their differences, and their hurt pride then they might defeat Mordor again, but as long as they were on opposite sides, neither had the strength to battle the darkness alone.

When he arrived in the long chamber used for holding cells, Faramir began looking over the prisoners there and pointing out to Damrod which Elves would go to which auction. Then suddenly light golden hair caught his attention mixed in with several darker heads. He paused before the cell and when the golden haired Elf looked up at him, Faramir felt his mouth go dry.

“We thought pleasure slave for that one, but he’s been…difficult. He may end up a laborer I fear,” Damrod explained when he saw which Elf had caught his Captain’s eye.

“He won’t go to auction,” Faramir said not even taking his eyes off the Elf who was glaring spitefully at him. The Elf’s clothes were dirty, his golden hair was beautiful but had snarls of leaves marring the perfection of it. Obviously the Elf had fought hard not to be captured and even now, unlike the others he was looking directly at Faramir, not looking away. Glaring and arrogant…and the most beautiful thing Faramir had ever seen in his life. “Send the golden one to my chambers.”

“But sir…” Damrod began to argue that this one was not ready yet, he had too much fire, but soon relented at the look Faramir gave him. “Very well. We’ll clean him up then.”

“No…send him just as he is,” Faramir said before moving on to the next cell. He wasn’t sure if he’d lost his mind or not, taking a prisoner that hadn’t been properly ‘broken’ as a slave might be the biggest mistake of his life, especially since he had no clue what he was doing. He couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that he didn’t wish to see the spark in those beautiful blue eyes fade though.

It was a few hours later before he’d finished his work and Faramir returned to his chambers and his new…companion.

Haldir sat quietly in Faramir’s chambers, tied to a sturdy wooden chair. He’d struggled uselessly for over an hour, then realized he was simply wasting his energy, and would need to bide his time until his new ‘master’ arrived. Gods, of all the scenarios he could have envisioned, being a slave to a Man of all things, wasn’t one of them. He’d heard the guards call this man who’s chambers he was currently imprisoned in ‘sir’, and figured he was their captain. No matter, he could kill a captain as easily as a guard, and then find a way to escape, hopefully taking several of his Elven companions with him. There were only a limited number of endings his little ‘adventure’ could have, and he was certain his new master was aware of them all. If he raped Haldir, then he would be minus a slave, for Elves faded if they were taken against their will, and there was simply no way Haldir would submit to him. Or he could kill the captain and escape, then bring an army to slowly kill off the men who’d captured them and held them in cages like so many wild animals. Or, and this was the scenario Haldir firmly pushed from his mind as soon as he thought it, he could be held here for years, forced to do the human’s bidding, and never allowed a chance to free himself. As these thoughts were going through his mind, he heard the chamber door open and looked up to see the very man he was planning on killing. “Untie me now, and when I escape, I will make your death quick and relatively painless,” he said before the man could speak or touch him.

Faramir merely stood in the doorway as the Elf spoke. He didn’t say a word himself, simply removed his cloak and laid it neatly over the back of a chair near the door. Ignoring the death threat and the ‘order’ to untie him, Faramir walked over to a small table and poured two glasses of water. “How long has it been since you had something to eat?” he asked as if the Elf had simply asked him how his day was.

Gritting his teeth at his words being so blatantly ignored, Haldir looked at the water and licked his lips despite himself. “What do you care? I am apparently only here for your pleasure, so why should my hunger, or lack thereof, concern you in the least? Or are you simply afraid I will fall into unconsciousness as you are trying to rape me?”

Faramir looked up from the glasses and shook his head. “I do not intend to rape you,” he said as he held up the glass of water. “I also do not wish for you to starve…” he moved a little closer to the Elf and looked at him for a moment. He was so beautiful; Faramir’s fingers itched to touch him, but imagined he would just antagonize the Elf more. “Your life here could be easy if you want it to. You will not be a laborer or a servant if that is not your wish.”

“I do not want a life here!” Haldir’s eyes flashed with annoyance at the human’s arrogance in thinking he would willingly stay here as a slave of any type. He refused to listen to the part of his mind that said the man before him was handsome – startlingly so – and focused on his situation. “Fine. Give me the water then, and tell me why you had me brought here if you do not wish to take me. Or did you just want the pleasure of seeing one of the first-born bound and helpless before you? Do you get pleasure from that?”

Faramir didn’t move away even when the Elf grew angrier. He knew that none of the Elves really wanted to be slaves, just as his own people didn’t wish to be slaves to them either. But he was here, and could find himself with a much more cruel master than Faramir could dream of being. When he was questioned as to why he brought the golden Elf there to his chamber Faramir contemplated on how best to answer him. “To have the opportunity to look at you,” he admitted as he set the glass beside the Elf and knelt down to untie one hand. “And yes…while I do find you beautiful and desirable I will not take anyone who is not willing.” He paused and looked up at him, wondering if releasing just one of the Elf’s hands was a wise thing to do, so instead of untying him completely he lengthened the rope on one wrist to allow him to drink but not easily strike out at Faramir.

Sighing with frustration when the rope on his wrist was only lengthened slightly and not untied, Haldir glared up at Faramir and smirked. “Well, I do not wish to be looked at, and I will never be willing, so there is really no point in my being here, now is there? Did you think I would simply spread my legs for you out of the kindness of my heart, or were you simply planning on leaving me tied up in your rooms day in and day out and looking at me when the mood hit you?” He was confused, knowing that most men bribed their pleasure slaves into giving their permission for sex so they would not fade, or simply raped them and locked them away until they did, essentially, disappear. As he waited for an answer, he brought the glass up to his lips and drank every last drop of water, wondering if he could somehow shatter the glass and use it to stab his new ‘master’ and cut away his bonds. But no, the rope wasn’t long enough, not at all. With a shrug of his shoulders, he looked up at Faramir and threw the glass onto the floor beside him, smiling innocently when it shattered on the cold stone floor.

Faramir simply stood back up as he watched the play of emotions in sparkling blue eyes. The Elf would probably be even more annoyed if he knew how much more Faramir desired him when he was angry. “I did not imagine you’d simply spread your legs for me…but I’m a patient man,” he grinned when the Elf shot him an indignant look. When the glass shattered on the floor, Faramir simply raised an eyebrow and went to the door. He asked his guard to send a servant to clean the glass up and asked that they bring extra towels as well. He turned to look at the golden beauty as he closed the door again. “I cannot keep thinking of you as the ‘golden one’ in my head…so what is your name? Mine is Faramir. I am Captain of the Ithilien Rangers and the youngest son of the Steward of Gondor.”

To say Haldir was surprised at Faramir’s nonchalance at the breaking glass was an understatement, but when he called him ‘golden one’ and said he was the son of the Steward…Haldir was visibly stunned. “So, I suppose that when I kill you and escape, your guards will be especially eager to find me, then, won’t they, if you really are the Steward’s son?” He turned away, shrugging as much as his bonds would allow, hoping Faramir hadn’t seen the look of surprise on his face. “But I see no harm in letting you know my name. It is Haldir. I am a Marchwarden and protector of The Golden Wood, and I can tell you now, my only goal in life is to return to my home and my family, so you really should not get used to seeing me here, especially in your rather cold and rather dreary, unattractive chambers.”

The look of shock on the Elf, Haldir’s, face was interesting to say the least. “I would imagine if you do kill me that you won’t make it out of Gondor and back to your home,” Farmair said calmly, amused that his slave was tied to a chair and threatening him so often. He was careful not to show the amusement and let it be mistaken as if being at Haldir’s expense. It actually was refreshing. “Well, Haldir, my apologies for not having grander chambers, but as long as you are here…they are yours as well,” he said as he heard a knock on the door. He allowed the servant in who set a large stack of white towels on the table and then quickly cleaned up the glass. Faramir had remained silent until after they were finished and thanked them as he let them out. The dark haired Elf had looked up at him then and smiled and he’d smiled back.

It didn’t escape Haldir’s notice that Faramir seemed almost friendly to the Elf who cleaned up the glass, and that the Elf had seemed to show him respect instead of fear. Deciding to change tactics, he forced himself to smile, but knew it didn’t reach his eyes. “Listen, Faramir, you seem like a reasonable, even rational man. If you want my permission to take me, I can assure you that you will never have it. And if you are not a rapist, then we are at an impasse. Why don’t you simply free me, and find yourself someone else to amuse you?”

The smile on the soft looking lips before him didn’t reach the Elf’s eyes but it was still disarming all the same. For a moment Faramir had to actually force himself to even think to process what Haldir was saying. “What would you do? Even if you managed to escape into the city below what will happen if someone else were to capture you? And simply releasing you…I cannot do that without some difficulty. Though perhaps we could come to an agreement?”

Haldir’s eyes narrowed and he had to bite back a derisive snort at the very idea of an agreement with the man who’d taken him prisoner. “I will not get captured again,” he retorted rather loudly as he struggled fruitlessly in his bonds again. “I only got caught this time because one of my captains was injured by your Rangers, so there is no need to worry about me if you were to let me go. Since I seriously doubt that will happen anyway, I suppose I have no other choice than to ask you what kind of agreement you have in mind. So, please, do tell. I am waiting with baited breath.”

Faramir fought a grin as his slave spoke so sarcastically to him. Other masters he knew wouldn’t allow such behavior but he found he liked the way the Elf stood up to him even while tied to a chair. Acting as if he hadn’t been insulted yet again, Faramir walked over to a large desk and picked up a piece of parchment and a quill as he headed back to the table closer to Haldir. “It is a common, though often frowned upon practice, but…if you would promise…in writing that is, that you would stay here as my…companion for the period of one year and one day I will grant your freedom at the end of that time. The agreement would be honored even if you were captured again in the future,” he ignored the indignant snort the Elf made and continued, “The agreement will stay here in my library, and as long as I live, I will honor it. Though of course…you would have to trust that I will hold up my end of the bargain. I can promise you that as long as you are here you will not be harmed unless you do something, which will cause it. You may act how ever you please while inside these chambers,” he said softly but then looked up at Haldir and pinned him with his gaze, “but you will not disrespect me in public. If you’ll agree to that, then you can have your freedom in 366 days.”

Every one of his Elven senses were on alert as Haldir watched Faramir, yet he could detect no hint of true anger or deceit in the captain’s voice or manner. And, as much as Haldir hated to admit it, he knew that truly, he had little chance of escape. If he gave his word to not try and escape, then he could tell by Faramir’s gaze that he knew Haldir would keep it, as the Elves were nothing if not honorable. But men? Men, who could very well be responsible for destroying all of Arda because of their selfishness and need for power as Isildur had so ably demonstrated ~ why should Haldir trust them at all, even this one before him, who seemed calm and even friendly, despite Haldir’s anger? “You will untie me then?” he asked carefully. “And let me have my so-called-freedom inside these chambers?”

“Yes,” Faramir said as he watched Haldir consider the idea. “You will have the freedom to do whatever you wish inside these chambers. You will not need to serve me in any way other than answer when spoken to,” he explained. “You will not want for anything, if there is something you want, books, clothing, anything you require it will be provided. And…” he paused for a moment. “You will share my bed chamber but I will not force you to share your body. I know that Elves fade from that and I will not do that to you. If you agree to it that is fine, but I will look at you and touch you. Otherwise I get little out of this agreement, don’t you agree?”

“Then why are you doing it?” Haldir retorted, still unsure of whether he could trust Faramir or not. It wasn’t as if he had any choice really. If he didn’t agree, he had the distinct impression that he would stay tied up to this chair indefinitely. “Why even offer an agreement when you get so little from it?”

“How do you know I don’t?” Faramir grinned looking up from his writing. He didn’t admit how much pleasure he found in just watching Haldir but he could tell the Elf knew. He looked back down at the parchment. “At any rate, you will benefit from this agreement by not being sent back down to be auctioned with the others. I doubt you’d find another master so…agreeable,” he commented before signing his name to the parchment.

Faramir was no doubt right about him not finding another ‘agreeable’ master, though Haldir detested both those words, especially the second one. A year…that wasn’t so long, no time at all, really, in the life of an Elf. It would mean 366 days of not being exactly free, but it was a means to an end. Besides, he knew well that none of the Gondor ‘slaves’ had been able to escape, and many had died trying. He had his brothers to think of, his Lord and Lady, and they needed him back. It wouldn’t do for him to get killed and leave them all behind. “Fine. For 366 days, I will not try to escape, and I will content myself here in your rooms. I can not say that I want you to touch me or even look at me, but I suppose I have little choice.” He tugged at the rope binding his hand and glared up at Faramir. “Now, untie me so I can sign your ridiculous agreement and hope that you intend to keep your end of the bargain, though honestly, I have my doubts already.”

Eyeing the Elf for a moment, Faramir reached down into his boot and retrieved a knife. “Then hold still, I don’t want to knick you and make poor Elreath come clean up your blood from the floor,” he stood up smoothly, and cut the rope binding one hand and then reached down to cut the other. He let his fingers move over the bare flesh inside Haldir’s wrist for just a moment before slicing through the rope. The flesh was raw from where the Elf had struggled against the bonds, and he slipped the knife back into his boot. He got up and in what might have been the dumbest move of his life, but an attempt to show the Elf trust he turned his back on him and went to the door. He asked the guard to have some salve sent up and returned to the table. “You may read it and make sure that I didn’t deviate from our discussions.”

I could kill him now. I have not signed the agreement yet… Haldir’s fingers clenched into fists as Faramir turned away, but his conscience wouldn’t let him carry through with his rather desperate plan. No. I gave him my word. Besides, he looks rather good from this angle too… Shaking his head and berating himself for even thinking that Faramir had a rather enticing backside, (which he did), Haldir stood and closed the short distance toward the table to read over the agreement, his face flushed with anger both at Faramir and himself. In short order, he signed his name to the thin parchment and then moved back to sit down on the very chair that he’d so recently been tied to. “All right then. So how does Day #1 as your slave end? What am I supposed to do now? And what do I call you inside these chambers… and, for that matter, outside of them?”

Faramir simply watched as Haldir signed the parchment and then returned to the chair. “I cannot predict the future, so in answer to your first question we’ll have to wait and see,” he grinned when Haldir gave him a petulant look and leaned against the table. “As far as supposed to do…I had the towels sent up so you could bathe. Perhaps I should have waited on the agreement until afterwards for that, so you’d have remained tied to that chair a bit longer,” he almost laughed at himself and the idea of bathing the Elf himself while tied to the chair and shrugged. He forged on. “Inside these chambers you may refer to me as Faramir, outside of them or when others are present you will refer to me as Lord Faramir or master though…I prefer the former.”

Haldir’s mood lifted a bit at the thought of a bath, but he tried not to let it show. Despite his earlier thought of one year being but the blink of an eye for an Elf, he had the feeling that the coming months were going to be the exception to the rule. “Fine,” he said, actually having to make an effort to keep the sullen tone in his voice as the idea of being clean again drew closer. He stood, gathered the towels, and shrugged at Faramir. “So, what are you going to do while I bathe? Watch?” A little stab of excitement shot through him as the very unwanted, but nevertheless disturbingly appealing image of Faramir standing wet and naked next to the bath raced through his mind. Do not even think about it, you foolish Elf. You hate him, remember?

Faramir’s eyebrows rose when the Elf asked if he were going to watch. “Oh, I’d prefer not to torture myself that much, though if you need help washing,” he grinned, “I’d be more than happy to help.” Faramir wasn’t in the least bit shy about letting his ‘slave’ know that he desired him. “The bath is through here,” he said leading the Elf to the large room. The tub was large, and was one of the things that Faramir loved most about his chambers besides the many bookcases. He may be on the coolest side of the citadel and away from the more beautiful gardens, but the bath with running water and the fact he was closest to the library were why he liked these chambers best and had not chosen to move even when offered to.

Haldir had the insane urge to invite Faramir along just to see how far he could push him, and get a taste of what the next year would be like, but he decided that some time alone might clear his head and help him figure out how not to plan his escape every moment of every day. He’d made his bed, and now he simply had to lie in it, whether he liked it or not. And he was determined not to like it at all. “I think I can manage on my own,” he said, surprised that Faramir so freely admitted his attraction, but had sworn not to take him against his will. “But thank you for the offer.” He well knew Faramir could watch him, or touch him, as he said was his right, and Haldir could do little about it. A small smile played on his lips. The coming year might not be easy for him, but by the Valar, the days would not be easy for Faramir either, Haldir would see to that, especially if Faramir was as good as his word. He was even a bit startled to find that he was smiling smugly at Faramir, and quickly turned toward the bathing chambers, muttering under his breath about hoping the water was warm, and there was some nice shampoo lying about.

Puzzled by the smug smile on his slave’s lips, Faramir simply watched him step into the bathing chamber and close the door. It was only then that Faramir unclenched his fists at his sides and took a deep breath. He’d wanted to touch the Elf so badly he almost had asked to watch or the very least wash that beautiful golden mane of his. He sighed heavily when he heard a knock at his door and realized the salve he’d asked for earlier had been brought up. When he opened the door Elreath was standing there and he asked the Elleth to please have dinner sent up a little early, that his new charge hadn’t eaten in at least a day. She’d smiled at him and said she would have it sent up later and she handed him several items. “Your…um…”

“His name is Haldir,” Faramir said smiling knowing that she wasn’t comfortable with the term slave.

“He is a warrior…he will want these, I am sure they took his others,” she said handing Faramir the combs that the Elven warriors used to hold their hair back from their faces during battle. They were certainly sharp and could have been used as a weapon, so most definitely Haldir’s would have been taken.

“Thank you…I am half afraid to give them to him,” he grinned, “but I am sure he will appreciate it.”

He returned to the bathing chamber and knocked softly before stepping inside. It was his room after all. “I brought you some things…” his voice trailed off as he looked at Haldir in the tub. Thankfully the water covered him, but Gods…not that much. “I’ll leave them here for you.” He set them on the ledge of the tub and had to resist the urge to reach out and touch and imagined running his lips and tongue down the perfect pale chest glistening with water.

Haldir looked around in surprise as Faramir entered the room, but made no move to cover himself, though he did have to concentrate on keeping his face neutral as the soap burned the raw rope burns on his wrists. He knew his new master wanted him, and he had, after all, agreed that Faramir had every right to look at or touch him. He was shocked, however, to see the golden combs that now rested on the edge of the tub and looked up at Faramir uncertainly. “Warrior combs?” He wondered if Faramir had even really looked at them before offering them so freely. “You…you are going to let me wear them? They are quite sharp, you know.”

It took a moment for Haldir’s words to register through all the thoughts Faramir was having, not the least of which stripping down and sliding into the tub with the Elf. He blinked when he realized Haldir had asked him a question and he looked down at the combs again. “I had told Elreath I was half afraid to give them to you…but…you are a warrior and I know…these are a point of pride for your people. I just…want you to be comfortable, Haldir…as you can be at least,” he said softly. He saw Haldir’s wrist when he looked down again and pursed his lips and slid to his knees beside the tub. “Here you can’t possibly put salve on these yourself,” he said opening the jar of salve and looking up at the curious blue eyes for a moment before taking Haldir’s hand and gently applying the salve to the raw rope burns. “If you hadn’t struggled so much this wouldn’t have happened you know…but I don’t blame you. I would probably have done the same.” He looked up at Haldir and smiled slightly. “Dinner will be up soon.”

Watching Faramir suspiciously even as he applied the salve to his wrists, Haldir was speechless for a moment; both at Faramir’s kindness and the gentle way he was treating him. He knew well that many in his position would have been beaten already, punished, or, at the very least, still tied and starving. Yet, here he was, clean and being treated kindly, with food on the way, a promise of freedom in his future, and a master that hadn’t once lost his temper. “It is not my way to accept losing my freedom,” he said softly, before telling himself that he needn’t explain his actions to Faramir. Yet, still he continued. “I doubt I will ever be comfortable as your…” he swallowed hard before continuing, “…slave, but I agreed to stay here, and I will not go back on my word.” Nodding toward his wrists, he felt the burning ease almost at once. “Thank you, for this. They were starting to hurt.”

Faramir listened silently as Haldir spoke of losing his freedom and had to bite back any response he might have. Haldir’s being here actually went against everything he’d believed in really, yes it was his duty to send the prisoners to the auctions. Yes it was the laws of his father and his country and what was accepted, but he’d never agreed…until today. He couldn’t explain it but the moment he’d seen Haldir he had to have him. He felt a bit like a hypocrite but didn’t share that with the Elf. Instead he looked up and smiled. “You’re welcome. I’ll…let you have some privacy now,” he whispered and reached out to tuck a lock of damp hair behind an elegantly pointed ear. When he finally left the room Faramir felt his heart pounding in his chest, and thought about how hard it was going to be to resist his slave in the coming months. He would not take him against his will, he wouldn’t—but Gods, he did want him.

As the door closed behind Faramir, Haldir reached up and touched the hair that had been tucked so tenderly behind his ear in yet another gesture of kindness that he neither asked for nor expected. He was touched beyond words, and felt his anger draining away at bit as he closed his eyes and lifted his hair out of the tub to trail over the back so it wouldn’t get back into the bathwater. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and simply relaxed for a moment, wondering what made Faramir so different from all the Men Haldir had known in his lifetime, and wondering even more if he could, if not learn to like his new position, to at least accept it gracefully.

By the time he stepped from the bathtub and dried off, he was feeling much better about the situation. Thinking that he would be ordered to at least touch Faramir and bring him some relief, he found that the idea wasn’t all that unattractive to him after all. He quickly braided the sides of his still-damp hair, clipped the combs into place and hoped that Faramir was truthful when he said Haldir could have clothes. There were none in the bathing chambers now though, so he settled for simply wrapping a towel around his waist and hoping he wouldn’t be forced to eat dinner half naked. It was hard for him to ask, but he forced the words from his lips as he entered the bedchamber. “What would you like me to wear, Lord Faramir?”

Faramir looked up when Haldir entered and swallowed hard as his eyes took in the sight before him. He’d seen him in the bath though not quite as clearly as this. Broad shoulder’s, toned arms, chest and stomach of an archer tapering to a slim waist wrapped in only a towel and down powerful legs used to running in the forest. He unconsciously licked his lips and cleared his throat. “Uh…I have some things you can wear,” he said moving to a wardrobe and withdrawing a deep green tunic and black breeches. “I’ll take you to the market tomorrow to get you more clothing, but these will have to do for now,” he said thankful they were close to the same size.

Haldir nodded his thanks and paused for a moment wondering if he really should antagonize Faramir. Then he remembered – Faramir, despite his kindness, had taken him prisoner. Without a word, he let the towel drop to the floor and reached for the clothes that Faramir was offering. Determined not to let their gazes meet, he took his time dressing, and then finally looked up and smiled innocently at the look on his master’s face. “Is something wrong?” he asked, biting back a smirk. “Are the clothes not to your liking on me now that I have them on?”

Faramir’s mouth went from dry to practically watering, when Haldir without so much as a word of warning, dropped his towel and dressed….slowly. Obviously he’d done it to torture Faramir, knowing that the man desired him, but try as he might, Faramir couldn’t look away or be angry with the Elf. He was simply far too enthralled by the body just a few feet from his own. When Haldir questioned him a slow smile spread across Faramir’s face. “Yes, actually…I much preferred the view without them…but they’ll do,” he said turning and heading to the other room. He saw that in the time they’d been in the bedchamber that food had been brought in and he actually had to keep from throwing himself to his knees and thanking the Valar for something to concentrate on besides Haldir.

Haldir’s stomach growled at the sight and smell of their dinner, and he started to sit down on the opposite end of the table, already forgetting his little game of trying to drive Faramir mad for the moment. Catching himself at the last instant, he wondered if he was expected to sit on the floor, as admittedly, some of his own kin forced their human prisoners admit it, you mean slaves to do, or if he should at least wait for Faramir to eat first. As much as it wounded his pride, he had agreed to be Faramir’s slave, and Haldir never did anything halfway. He would abide by the ‘rules’ as long as Faramir did. Despite the fact that Faramir had told him he could do as he liked inside these chambers, Haldir simply stood beside the table and waited for Faramir to tell him what to do.

Faramir looked up at Haldir for a moment, confused as to why he hadn’t sat down and distinctly certain he’d heard the Elf’s stomach growl in the quiet room. “Is…something amiss? Is there something here you don’t like?” he asked looking at the food on the table. Surely Elreath wouldn’t have sent up food that Haldir wouldn’t like? He stood back up in confusion and just looked at Haldir who was looking at him with confusion as well.

Biting his bottom lip to keep from smiling when he realized Faramir was just as unsure as he was, Haldir shook his head and let his gaze meet Faramir’s. “I was waiting for you to tell me where to sit,” he admitted. “I have never been a….Gods…a slave before, and though I am never going to be pleased about being one, I do plan on doing it with as much dignity as possible. I did not want to overstep my bounds and do something wrong on my first day. Being tied up like an animal was all the punishment I want to have to deal with…today anyway.”

Faramir frowned and looked down for a moment. “I’ve…never had a slave before…so forgive me for not being clear with the rules,” he admitted and decided that Haldir could make of that admission whatever he wanted. He would never punish him, even if he did do something wrong, of that Faramir was certain, but there was no need to admit that too. The fear of the unknown might at keep Haldir at least civil toward him, he thought. “I uh…you may join me, I’m sure you are hungry, and I had intended this meal to be for you. I know it has been at least a day since you’ve eaten,” he said gesturing toward the chair near his own. Normally he would sit across from someone, to talk easily but as Haldir had pointed out he was his slave, and Faramir could choose where he sits. With a start he realized Haldir probably expected to have to watch him eat or worse…like he’d seen with other noble’s and their slaves, Haldir expected to have to sit in the floor. Good manners nearly had him pulling the chair out for Haldir before he caught himself and bit his lip. For Valar’s sake you aren’t COURTING him!

Once again, Faramir caught Haldir off his guard. So he was now a first-time slave to a man who’d never had a slave before? How had he managed that? As directed, he quietly pulled out the chair next to Faramir and sat, relaxing a bit and wondering if he could truly be himself, at least behind these closed doors. He would dearly love to ask why he was Faramir’s first and only slave, but the time didn’t feel right… at least not yet. “I am hungry,” he admitted as he scooted up to the table and eyed the food. He reached out, almost before thinking, and started to pile the plate before him with food. If you’re going to do this, do it right, whether you like it or not. “What would you like?” he asked, setting his plate aside and reaching for Faramir’s. “Meat, fruit, vegetables, or a bit of everything?”

Faramir’s hand reached out and settled over Haldir’s arm feeling the warmth of his skin even through the tunic he’d given him. “Haldir, I explained earlier that you are not a serving…that you aren’t to serve me unless it is your wish to do so. You do not have to do anything you don’t wish remember? Other than speak when spoken to and allow me the…pleasure of your company,” he said softly.

Chapter 2

Haldir’s hand froze in mid air and he stared at Faramir, more confused than ever, especially when he realized that Faramir had stopped himself from calling Haldir his slave. What is he truly getting from this? It has to be more than him wanting to look at me… or even touch me. There must be something that he hasn’t told me. “Aye,” he said softly as he started to pull his arm away, but remembered that Faramir had every right to touch him. “You did tell me that. I suppose you can serve yourself then.” His confusion brought back his irritation at his situation, and his voice was sharper than he’d meant it to be. But, Faramir wanted the ‘pleasure’ of his company, so there seemed to be no need to stop himself from saying what was on his mind.

Faramir’s hand dropped away when Haldir’s voice sharpened, clearly irritated but he had no idea why. He sighed and shook his head, then began to fill his glass with wine and then did the same for Haldir. After all he had the bottle in his hand already so he didn’t consider it something one wouldn’t do when dining with another. He didn’t realize how oddly Haldir was looking at him though, but soon they settled into their meal. He thought about things to do that might make Haldir feel less uncomfortable. Granted other masters might not do that, but he wasn’t another master. So he thought if the Elf liked to read, he might want to go with him to the library that night or in the morning before they went to the market. “Do you like to read?” he asked after considering the idea for several minutes.

Nodding at once, Haldir couldn’t help but look around at the bookshelves with pleasure, still wondering why Faramir poured him something to drink. “Aye, I love to read. When I am not out on patrol, it is all I do most days and nights.” He was getting comfortably full and a bit more relaxed from the wine, but was on his guard again at once as he wondered if Faramir was about to rescind his offer to let Haldir spend his days as he wished. “Why do you ask?”

“This chamber is closest to the library, that is why I chose it, even though it is a great distance from my family’s chambers, I like it best here closest to the books. This was once our chief librarian’s chamber, but when he passed, his replacement chose to live outside the citadel with his wife,” Faramir explained carefully, leaving out the fact he was barred from living within the citadel by Faramir’s father for fathering a half Elf child and actually marrying the mother. It wasn’t common but it did happen sometimes and Denethor had been furious, but hadn’t banished the man completely, only because it would be too difficult to replace him. Faramir had been the one to convince his father of that. “I thought if you liked to read, that you might want to go there with me, either this evening or tomorrow before we go to the market.”

Haldir had never felt so off-balance in his life as he simply stared at Faramir for a moment. It seemed he was being asked if he wanted to visit the library, not ordered or barred from it, as he hard heard many of the harsher master’s slaves were. “I… um… yes, I would like that very much,” he admitted, not bothering to try and hide his surprise. “Since I will, apparently, be spending most of my time here for the next year, I would love nothing more than to have plenty to read. Thank you for offering.”

Faramir smiled and nodded. “You shouldn’t lack for reading material then,” he said not realizing that Haldir had expected the worst. He pushed his plate away after a moment and sat back to regard the Elf beside him again. Gods, he was incredibly beautiful. Faramir looked away after a moment. “If you’d like some fresh air, there is a balcony through there,” he pointed across the room, toward heavy drapes that covered the glass doors, “Or we can always take a walk in any of the gardens. For now, until you have been with me a while I would advise that we only go together or for you to go with another escort until people are aware that you are… mine.”

The idea that he would be allowed to go out at all was suddenly overshadowed by Faramir’s last word. Mine. He’d never ‘belonged’ to anyone before, in any manner, yet the single word brought an unwelcome shiver of… something… to Haldir’s spine, something he couldn’t even begin to fathom. “Yours.” The word felt strange on his tongue, but it was one he needed to get used to. “Aye, Lord Faramir, whatever else I am at the moment, I am yours, whether I like it or not.” He couldn’t help glancing toward the balcony, knowing that his beloved Golden Wood lay well beyond the forests and mountains, housing everything and everyone he held dear. “Will you let me write to my brothers? They will worry for me. I would at least like them to know that I have not been killed.”

Faramir had little idea what reaction Haldir had to the word ‘mine’ but he certainly knew how he felt with Haldir whispered ‘yours’ back to him. A fire seemed to leap inside him and his stomach fluttered. He tried to keep his face neutral though, until Haldir called him “lord” again. “Yes, and I should like it very much if you stop being so formal when it is just the two of us,” he grinned. “Just Faramir… and I did not know you had brother’s but I will allow you to write them. I do not know how we will get the messages to them with the way the war has been lately… but we can at least try. I too have a brother, so I certainly understand your desire to contact them.” Faramir stood up from the table and offered his hand to Haldir. “Walk with me.” He’d spoken it as a statement rather than a request, though Haldir could refuse and Faramir wouldn’t push. He did hope that he wouldn’t though.

Haldir hesitated for only a moment, realizing that he had a choice in the matter, but seeing no point in refusing. He stood, rested his hand in Faramir’s, and to his utter annoyance, found that he didn’t find the touch repulsive in the least. He’d been almost hoping he would, so that when the time came for Faramir to insist on touching him, or order him to pleasure him, his body wouldn’t react. That, unfortunately, didn’t seem to be the case. Faramir’s hand was warm and despite Haldir’s less-than-friendly attitude, still gentle and careful with him. He started to complain, to say he didn’t feel like walking, to see if Faramir would push this issue, but found that he really didn’t mind so much after all. He relaxed, even though he half expected Faramir to bind his hands to something and even managed a half smile. “Where are we going?”

“I thought you might want to at least see a bit of your new… home… before it gets too dark,” Faramir said leading Haldir toward the door. The guards looked at them for a moment, taking in the fact that the Elf looked much more civilized than he had earlier when they brought him in fighting with leaves in his hair and dirt on his clothes. Leading Haldir down the hall, Faramir turned down several passages until they were in a tiny garden. “This is one of my favorite places, and through those doors there, is my most favorite place,” he grinned. It was the back entrance to the library.

My new prison you mean. The words were on the tip of Haldir’s tongue as they left Faramir’s bedchambers, – no, their bedchambers, he corrected himself – but remembering that he was not to disrespect Faramir in front of his men, he kept his lips firmly shut, though it went against everything in him to walk so meekly beside his captor. He was distracted almost at once from his thoughts of how easily he could overwhelm Faramir and at least make a run for it, knowing that he would never do so, at least not for another 366 days. The garden was beautiful, and the library – Gods, the library was famous, even in Lothlórien. He’d long wished to visit, though this wasn’t exactly how he’d imagined it. “I imagine bringing a book out here to sit in the sunlight and relax would be the perfect end to almost any day,” he said softly as he reached out and ran his fingertips lightly over a dark red rose that was in full bloom just beside him. “It is lovely here, I must admit, though I was hoping I would hate it.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir said he was hoping he’d hate it. “I know you don’t wish to be here, Haldir… but at the very least maybe it won’t be too entirely unpleasant for you,” he said softly. Maybe one day you won’t hate me either. They spent a short time in the garden as the sun began to set and then Faramir led his companion into the library. “Choose as few or as many books as you like, and we’ll take them upstairs,” he said smiling as Haldir looked at the many rows of shelves. He loved this library and he was always glad to share it with another, especially someone whose eyes lit up like that at the sight of the books.

Haldir released Faramir’s hand without thinking and ran his fingers over the spines of books nearest to him, wondering just how many of the books he could read in the next year. Carefully pulling several from their shelves, he became completely lost in his task, and by the time he finally looked up at Faramir, he realized that over half an hour had passed and he had accumulated easily over a dozen thick tomes. Yet, Faramir hadn’t said a word, hadn’t hurried him, or told him to stop looking, and he suddenly felt guilty for taking such obvious pleasure in something else he wished he could hate. “I… I think that is enough for now,” he said quickly as he began gathering the books and laughing at himself as he saw that he’d taken practically every one from the first shelf next to the doorway. He was certain he could at least make a dent in the books before he was freed to return to his home, that is if Faramir didn’t expect him to spend much of his time doing… other things. He supposed they would figure that part out when they returned to Faramir’s rooms.

Faramir had stood off to the side while Haldir seemed to get completely caught up in selecting books, and he found a smile touching his lips. Haldir’s face for the first time was completely relaxed and a gentle smile graced full lips. Faramir wondered yet again what those lips would taste like… when Haldir had first snapped at him in his chamber that afternoon, he’d thought they would be hard, but now he imagined they’d be so soft and so very sweet. When Haldir finally realized what he was doing and looked up at him, Faramir smiled, and took several of the large books and tucked them under his arm. “We can come back here any time you want… and my chamber has plenty of books as well… but… I wanted you to have something of your own choosing today since… I’ve taken everything else away,” he said softly.

Haldir blinked at the words and realized that he should still be feeling angry at Faramir. He was right, he had taken everything away, yet he couldn’t quite seem to hate him at the moment, considering how kind he’d been over the last few hours. He was, after all, a prisoner of Gondor, and the Elves had more than a few Men as their slaves as well. He still didn’t like his position, and still didn’t plan on making their arrangement easy on Faramir, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be grateful for the gestures his new master was going out of his way to make. “Yes, you have taken everything away,” he said as he tucked the last book in the crook of his arm and let his gaze meet Faramir’s. “But at least you are not doing your best to make my life miserable, like some of your men in the prisons promised our new masters would do. At least you are not going to keep me forever, so I cannot help thinking that I could be much, much worse off than I am now. So… thank you for that, at least.” He felt again as if he’d lost his footing, thanking the man who had enslaved him, and he tried to backtrack, if only a bit. “I hope you do not think I will ever like being in the position, though, so please do not think that I will suddenly change my mind and do your bidding because I want to.”

The truth did hurt a bit when Haldir agreed so easily with him, but Faramir felt some relief when he said that he wasn’t miserable at least. He was just so beautiful and perfect, with such life and fire in his eyes… when Faramir had first seen him, there was just no way he could have left him to go to some other master. What did that say about him though? He’d always been sympathetic to the slaves, been kind, sided with them on many issues in conferences, but he’d never taken one out of choice… though he could have. He could have done just as a few of his friends had and taken slaves only to release them again with the promise just as he’d given Haldir, if ever captured again they would be released as long as their former master lived. He looked up though when Haldir said ‘do his bidding’. “And what bidding is that? I’ve not asked you to serve me in any way… except allow this,” he said stopping Haldir with his hand on his arm. “Speaking with me… and letting me admire you… and touch you… is my touch so horrible and disgusting to you?”

Wishing he were a credible liar, Haldir sighed and looked down for a moment at the books in his arms. “I wish I could say yes,” he said softly, finally looking up into Faramir’s eyes, “but I am not going to lie to you. I have always thought the touch of a human would make me sick to my stomach, but that does not seem to be happening, at least in your case. But given that I do not really have a choice in the matter, why do you even bother asking? As you said earlier, I am yours, and we agreed that you could touch me whenever you like. And you have only… owned me for a few hours, so I have no idea what your bidding might be tonight or tomorrow. As you said to me earlier tonight, I cannot see the future, so I do not really know.”

Faramir felt relief wash through him that at least he wasn’t forcing even that on Haldir, it would have killed him if Haldir had answered yes, but he would have done his best not to touch him, knowing the Elf was disgusted. He would have simply found a way to enjoy his company somehow without physical touch. “I see… ” Faramir answered softly, realizing that Haldir had no idea if his demeanor with him would change. Likely he’d heard tales from other slaves who’d outlived their masters and were able to return home. Tales of masters who were kind at first to gain the Elf’s trust and then changed. “Then I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see what the future brings,” he said as they began to walk again. Once back at their chamber, Faramir set the books on the now cleared table and looked up at his companion. “If you’d like to read a while or… or sit on the balcony, go right ahead. I am going to bathe.” A part of him really, really wanted to ask Haldir to join him but decided that was a horrible idea at least for this first night.

Haldir was almost disappointed that Faramir didn’t order him to help him bathe, but told himself that was ridiculous. He wasn’t sure where, or how, he was going to fit into Faramir’s life at this point. He could easily have been ordered to do practically anything to or for his master, but yet again, he was being given the freedom to do as he wished. The trouble was, he wasn’t sure what he wished at the moment, and even though it went against everything in him, he thought it might not be so bad if he had been ordered to pleasure Faramir in some way, to at least show him how much he appreciated his kindness. It wasn’t something he would offer, of course, but if he were ordered, he wouldn’t really have a choice, now would he? “I… I think I will wait and start reading tomorrow,” he said carefully. “In the meantime, I will… sit on the balcony I suppose.”

Faramir wondered why Haldir seemed… disappointed? Perhaps he was only tired? So Faramir merely nodded and headed for the bathing chamber. He spent a long time simply sitting in the large tub thinking before he finally came out again, dressed in a blue robe. He stepped onto the balcony behind Haldir and couldn’t help smiling as he looked at the Elf, gazing up at the stars. “It is beginning to get cold,” he said softly, feeling as if he spoke too loudly, the silence of the night may be broken some how.

Having heard Faramir long before he came out onto the balcony, Haldir had simply waited for the Man to join him. He was wondering what the night would bring for them both, and was more than a little anxious to find out. “Aye,” he said softly. “Before too long, it will be too cold even for an Elf to venture out here at night.” He turned and regarded Faramir in silence, his eyes seeing the Man far more clearly than Faramir could see him, despite the stars overhead. He really is handsome. I will not be able to hate him for a year… I can not even manage to hate him for a full day, despite everything. “You are still wet. You will catch a cold if you stay out here… “ His words drifted off, and he thought the he shouldn’t care if Faramir got a cold or not.

Faramir nodded when he said he’d catch a cold if he stayed out on the balcony. “Yes, you’re probably right. I… was just going to bed. I’d… like you to join me,” he said honestly though not meaning it intimately even though he certainly wouldn’t be opposed to it of course.

Haldir licked his lips and nodded, appreciating that Faramir’s words sounded more like a request than an order, though he wouldn’t have argued either way. “All right,” he whispered as he moved closer and nodded as they stepped inside. He took a deep breath, ready for whatever was going to happen next, and feeling the distinct stirring of anticipation in the pit of his stomach “Which side of the bed is yours and… what do you wish for me to wear. Or… not wear?”

Faramir closed the doors behind them and looked up at his companion. “Do you really want my honest opinion?” he asked smiling slightly. “The honorable part of me wants to say whatever you are comfortable in, there are night shirts in the chest there, the less honorable part, wants to say nothing at all,” he said softly, as he reached out and tucked a silken soft lock of hair behind Haldir’s ear. “I think I might have to leave that decision to you because I am not sure I can decide.” He moved away and slipped off his own robe, laying it on a chest at the foot of the bed and slid under the covers, not paying attention if Haldir had watched him or not. Yes, he was curious to know if he had watched him but afraid to know what he would see in those amazing blue eyes. Would it be anger or disgust?

And Faramir had been watched, and watched with anything but anger or disgust. No matter what they did tonight, Haldir did find himself believing that Faramir wouldn’t take him against his will, so he wasn’t as worried about that as another slave with almost any other master might be. But there was still the chance that Faramir’s honor would be the one thing that would free Haldir – Faramir was very open about the fact that he was attracted to Haldir, and if he couldn’t have the one thing that Haldir never planned on giving him leave to take, then maybe he would be frustrated enough to free his slave before the year was up. The mere act of watching Faramir’s robe being removed had half awakened Haldir’s sex, though, and he thought at once that at least with Faramir, he would be allowed to find his own release as well. Most masters refused to allow their slaves that luxury, but Haldir would wager that Faramir wasn’t like that at all. “I am most comfortable with nothing,” he said in a voice that didn’t even sound like his own as he quickly undressed. “So I suppose the less honorable part of you gets its wish.”

Faramir opened his eyes and couldn’t help watching as Haldir undressed. And a part of him wondered if the Elf weren’t teasing him with how slowly he removed his clothes. By the time Haldir joined him in the bed, Faramir was half hard with arousal and had felt somewhat curious as to Haldir’s half aroused state as well. Had he been attracted to Faramir? At least a little bit? He simply lay there though, feeling the heat of the body next to his own and then snuffed out the lamp beside them plunging the room into near darkness. He wanted to touch him so badly he ached and finally rolled to his side, and let his fingers gently trail across Haldir’s chest. “You are very beautiful you know,” he whispered softly.

Haldir’s breath caught in his throat and he bit back a moan as Faramir touched him, just as he had every right to do. He closed his eyes and swallowed as his hands clenched in the sheets beneath him and he felt the flesh between his legs grow just a bit harder. “Thank you,” he whispered, just stopping himself from adding on the word ‘master.’ “At least I am more presentable now than when you first saw me, I hope.”

Feeling the body next to his own react though Faramir was unsure if it was tension or more, he almost stilled his hand. “You were beautiful then too,” Faramir whispered but was afraid to admit all that he’d felt when he first saw Haldir because he wasn’t sure he understood it enough to explain. He moved slightly closer and breathed in Haldir’s scent, the fresh scent of the forest and something more exotic as well. “If you do not want me to touch you tonight, please say and I’ll stop.” Even now, even with their agreement, Faramir would not force his touch on Haldir should the Elf be tired.

“We agreed earlier that I am yours,” Haldir said evenly, truly not wishing for Faramir to stop touching him, but hating to admit it. “As… I said earlier, I… do not find your touch… undesirable, and… you did tell me to expect this.” He was certain Faramir could feel his heart pounding, though there was little he could do about that at the moment, nor about the steadily hardening arousal that was growing thicker with every passing moment. “I… tell me what you wish for me to do, my Lord.”

Faramir leaned closer and brushed his lips gently against the warm skin of Haldir’s neck, just below his ear. “Just enjoy this,” he whispered as his hand traveled lower down the Elf’s chest, then stomach, stopping just above his arousal. He then leaned up slightly, “and kiss me?” he added as his hand moved to wrap around the hard length he found there.

Though he was loathe to admit it, Haldir was enjoying himself already… a great deal. As he’d admitted in the gardens, he wished he could control his feelings and body, but for all his years of experience and wisdom, he couldn’t seem to make his body do as he wished. His fists clenched in the sheets again, and he tried to do only as Faramir asked, to simply kiss him, though his arms seemed to be trying to lift of their own accord, wanting to wrap around him and pull him closer. Moaning softy as his arousal was captured in Faramir’s grip, Haldir lifted his head and told himself that he was only following orders, nothing more, and nothing less. Then, his lips tentatively pressed against his master’s and parted, and his tongue slid forward, teasing at Faramir’s, licking over smooth teeth and into the warm, wet recess of his mouth. He pulled away breathlessly several long moments later and gazed up at darkened blue eyes. “Like… that?”

Faramir could feel Haldir’s body responding against his own, though the Elf was clinging to the sheets, as if afraid to let them go. He didn’t order him not to though, and then suddenly he was being kissed gently and then deeply. Responding to the kiss, Faramir thought about earlier that evening when he’d wondered if Haldir’s kisses would be as sweet as he thought and Gods, it was better than he could have ever imagined. Breathing hard as they parted, he nodded slowly. “Yes,” he whispered. He was already hard and aching, and rocked his hips against Haldir’s hip as his hand continued to stroke him. Their lips met again in a deep kiss and he moaned softly as his arousal moved against warm skin.

It was taking everything in Haldir not to touch Faramir, but the stubborn streak inside him needed to be ordered to do so, at least to touch him in the place he was most likely aching to be touched, anyway. Almost without realizing it, however, one of his hands released the sheets and wrapped around Faramir’s shoulders, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss even more as he thrust up into Faramir’s fist. “Gods,” he breathed when they pulled away for air. “I mean… tell me what you need me to do. I… I cannot seem to think.” It seemed his little plan might be just as difficult for him as he’d hoped it would be for Faramir.

Surprised when Haldir dragged him closer, Faramir moaned into the Elf’s mouth and thrust his hips against him. “Don’t think then,” Faramir breathed, as he slid down the bed, pushing the covers away as he let his lips sink down around the leaking arousal there and moaning as he tasted the warm fluid on the back of his tongue. He swallowed around the thick length, and reached down to stroke himself as he pleasured Haldir with his mouth. He hadn’t planned on this, on wanting him this much, but Gods he did.

Haldir’s hips arched up off the bed as he watched Faramir through half-lidded eyes, knowing that he could easily have been ordered to pleasure him, and almost disappointed once again that he hadn’t. But he was determined to do only what was asked of him, and let his hand fall back to the sheets and tangle amongst their folds, not even allowing himself the luxury of letting his fingertips curl in Faramir’s hair as they were itching to do. Your body is reacting, as is his. He is using you, and you must allow it… you promised to. Even as he tried to reason with himself, he wondered how on all of Arda he could be enjoying this so much when he shouldn’t even be responding at all, let alone getting ready to spill inside his master’s mouth if Faramir didn’t move away. “Faramir, I… I will come if you keep doing that…” The words made his face flush, but he felt he had to warn him. Surely no master, experienced or not, would allow his slave to come first, and inside him on top of that.

Faramir drew away for only a moment, dragging in a deep breath when he did and smiling up at Haldir. “That is the idea,” he whispered before sealing his lips around the pulsing arousal. He continued to use his mouth to pleasure Haldir, knowing that the moment he tasted his ‘lover’ he would lose control himself. Just enjoy this, Haldir. In the back of his mind he supposed it was odd for a master to wish to pleasure his slave but it was what he wanted. Very much so in fact. It was one of the things Faramir found the most pleasure in. He wanted a lover, in particular Haldir, to want him and to enjoy what he did to them.

A low whimper fell from Haldir’s lips as he heard Faramir’s words. It was the last thing he’d expected, though Faramir had kept him off balance for so long, why should this be any different? His hips were thrusting erratically, his cock moving in and out of the delicious heat of the mouth surrounding it and his entire body began to tense in anticipation of his release. He could think of nothing but Faramir’s name, and somehow the litany of the single word managed to go from being only inside of his head to being cried out loudly as he felt his balls draw up and his release fill his master’s mouth again and again. Incredibly, Faramir didn’t pull away, and simply watching him swallow and return for more made Haldir’s orgasm that much more powerful.

Faramir felt heat flash through him as Haldir began to thrust into his mouth, knowing his ‘lover’ was close, and continued his actions, taking him as deep as he possibly could. Then suddenly he felt Haldir’s body tense under his own. When the first hot stream of his release hit the back of his throat, Faramir heard his name cried out loudly and lost control himself. He swallowed over and over again even as his own release spilled over his hand and against Haldir’s thigh. Finally, when he was completely spent, and he felt Haldir’s arousal softening against his tongue, Faramir drew away panting. He picked up the tunic Haldir had been wearing and wiped his own seed from his hand and Haldir’s thigh before moving to collapse next to the Elf. Faramir was breathing heavily but smiled as he pressed a kiss against Haldir’s shoulder. “Thank you,” he whispered softly.

Haldir simply could not have been more confused, though he was now too relaxed to dwell much on that little fact. It almost seemed as if this day hadn’t been real, and he was simply sharing his bed with a lover, not his master, but that, of course, was nonsense. Gods, I thought I would drive him mad, but it seems I am the one losing my mind. “I… did not do anything,” he said, his words seeming to be lost in the darkness. He felt as if he should do… something, but he wasn’t sure what, and now he felt almost guilty. “Why are you thanking me? You could be punishing me for… for what just happened.”

“Punish… I…” Faramir sat up and looked at Haldir for a moment in confusion and shook his head. “No. I did say that I wanted to touch you… and… so I did exactly what I wanted… I wouldn’t punish you for that.” He sat there for a moment and brushed his fingertips against Haldir’s face. “And I thanked you for agreeing to it, I suppose.” He shrugged not really completely understanding what the problem was, he had asked Haldir if it was all right to touch him tonight. Despite it being his right, Faramir wasn’t quite comfortable with the idea of forcing himself on Haldir in any way. “Did… well… you seemed to enjoy it?” he asked worriedly then.

Gazing up at Faramir as a small smile played on his lips, Haldir sighed and released his death grip on the sheets. “I enjoyed it… very much, despite myself,” he laughed softly. “But, Gods, I do not understand you, Faramir. You want me to be myself when we are alone, so… well, it is just that one minute I feel like I should just grit my teeth and accept my position as your slave or companion or… or whatever you want to call me, and the next it… well, it seems like you are worrying more about me than yourself.” He leaned up and placed a kiss on the side of Faramir’s mouth – the first kiss he’d given him freely. “I just do not know where I stand with you, to be honest.”

“I’m sorry… I suppose I’m not exactly accustomed to the whole… ‘master’ thing myself,” he grinned. Faramir was pleased though when Haldir kissed him, almost impulsively it seemed. He smiled then and lay back down beside the Elf. “I don’t care for the word slave really… companion seems to fit better. I… don’t want to treat you as a slave… not as you’d expect I guess. Maybe I’m just a lonely human who wants you close is all,” he said softly.

Haldir lay in stunned silence as Faramir spoke, then lay back on the bed beside him. He started to move closer and rest his head on Faramir’s shoulder, but wasn’t sure if the gesture would be welcomed or not. Instead, he fumbled in the dark for his master’s hand and slipped his fingers underneath the warmth of his palm. “I am right here,” he whispered, “as close as you want me to be. Though calling me your companion means I could leave if I wanted. And since I cannot do that, I guess it does not matter if you call me your slave.”

Faramir was touched when Haldir took his hand and nodded as he continued. He was right of course. Companion was just a nicer term but it did make it seem as if they were equals, and even if in Faramir’s mind they were equals for the most part there were still things that made the balance tip in his favor. He could be as kind as possible to his slave, but it will never change the fact that he was in fact here against his will. Faramir thought about how horribly other slaves were treated though and knew he was giving Haldir a chance to return to his loved ones unharmed and perhaps even not regretting the experience completely. “You’re right… I am kind to you because it pleases me to be kind to you, Haldir. I’m not a cruel man, but… we aren’t on equal footing at all. You don’t want to be here, and… I am selfish to want you with me,” he said softly. He could let Haldir go, there was no law stating he had to stay a year and a day it was just what was commonplace.

“Would you want to be forced to stay away from your family for a year?” Haldir asked. “To have no control over what you do, where you go, to know that cruel or not, your master had the right to punish you at any time, for any transgression?” Before Faramir could answer, Haldir continued. “No, I do not want to be here, but I agreed to, so I will be the best… slave or companion or… whatever… that I can be, and maybe we can both come out of this not hating each other, like so many of our kin do once they are freed. I must confess, if I were to go home right now, it would not be with feelings of hatred towards you. In another situation, or another world, I could see us even being… friends, or… something near to it.”

Again Faramir bit his tongue about punishment because if Haldir did somehow get into an altercation with someone besides himself over the next year it was likely he would have to punish him— publicly at that. It was enough to make his stomach roll a little and he looked down. He sighed softly and nodded. “I’m glad you don’t hate me… at least there is that, and… I think we could have been friends if the world were different,” he whispered knowing how many of his own friends wished the world were in fact different. They’d all talked about it, about how hardly anyone even remembers why Elves and Men were at odds anymore and that they’d be stronger together. In the last ten years or so more and more were talking about another place where Elves and Men lived together. Where someone like the librarian and his wife would be accepted instead of shunned as they were here. He nibbled his bottom lip for a moment and lay back down. A part of him wanted to tell Haldir he could change the contract, that he could release him now, but the selfish part of him wanted him to stay.

Haldir sighed and covered his mouth as he yawned. “I have seen the world change so many times,” he said softly, “and I truly believe it can happen one day.” He released Faramir’s hand, sat up and tugged the covers up over them both, still unsure how Faramir wished for him to sleep. “Do you wish for me to… get you anything or… do anything?” he asked softly, purposefully leaving the question rather open.

Faramir smiled as Haldir questioned him and shook his head. “Sleep,” he whispered. “That’s all you need to do for now.” He closed his own eyes, wondering if he should admit to the Elf that he could release him before the end of the year but every time he thought about it, his chest felt tighter so he pushed the idea away for now.

Laying down beside Faramir, Haldir watched him silently for a few moments, remembering their passion from only moments before and wondering if things would change once they got more accustomed to one another. “Good night, then,” he said softly. “Sleep well, my Lord.”

Chapter 3

Faramir had awoken pleasantly warm, despite the coolness of his chamber and had smiled at Haldir as he had awoken next to him. He’d barely managed to keep his hands to himself after the night they’d shared, but decided they would have time for that later.

He and Haldir shared a light breakfast; talking about books they’d both read in common before leaving for the marketplace to buy Haldir some clothing and a few other items.

Faramir would buy him anything he wished at all but the first few stalls they stopped at Haldir had been careful to pass up richer fabrics and at first he found it a sweet gesture. After a while though, Faramir noticed how the stall owners were looking at him. The son of the Steward and his slave— a pleasure slave at that— was looking at the cheapest and most plainly made items? It was a little embarrassing, though he knew Haldir probably had no idea. He was probably wanting to get things he thought a slave was worthy of. Perhaps things in Lórien were different, but in Gondor pleasure slaves were to be somewhat of a showpiece, though Faramir wasn’t about to treat Haldir as some of the ones he’d seen paraded around like pampered pets. But he would hear about it from his father if the merchants told him that his son was dressing his slave cheaply as if he were a laborer or even a house servant. He knew that if he didn’t at least appear to follow ‘tradition’ his father would rant for days.

When Haldir picked up a dark brown tunic in a rough fabric a house servant would wear and saw the merchant frown, Faramir’s hand settled over the Elf’s. “I don’t really care for brown,” he lied moving Haldir toward the more expensive items. “I’d like to see you in this one… it goes really well with your eyes,” he said holding up the rich blue velvet.

Haldir started to say that the brown was more to his liking as it helped him blend into the forest, and he had become accustomed to wearing it. He wasn’t given a chance to say so though, before he was propelled forward and being presented with darker, richer colors that he normally wore only during the most special of occasions back in Lórien. “I… I do not like it,” he said under his breath so that only Faramir could hear him. “It stands out too much, and I prefer not to have everyone’s attention called to me so they can talk about Faramir and his little velvet-clad whore.”

Faramir bit his lip against the insult, though it stung greatly and was thankful that at least Haldir had kept his voice down. He sighed and tried a more subdued color but still a richer fabric than Haldir had been looking at. “This one then?” he asked holding it out to him, knowing the merchant was watching curiously to see what the Steward’s son would buy from him.

The second choice was little better than the first in Haldir’s mind, and he wondered why Faramir didn’t just let him chose his own colors and fabrics and be on with it. He didn’t think his ‘master’ looked very pleased, but he hadn’t said anything about not letting Haldir pick out his own clothes. “I do not like that one either,” he whispered, only now noticing how everyone was looking at him. He instinctively moved closer to Faramir and wondered what they were looking at. “Is something wrong? Besides all the ugly fabrics, I mean?”

“You are with the Steward’s youngest son who’s never had a slave before… they are curious,” Faramir whispered for only Haldir to hear. He held up the garment and looked at the merchant as if Haldir hadn’t just said he disliked all of the fabrics and told him to send three, of varied colors, to his chambers and ignored the pointed look Haldir gave him.

Haldir started to protest that he really didn’t like the garments Faramir had, but snapped his mouth closed at the last minute and folded his arms across his chest. There seemed to be no point in him coming along if Faramir was going to pick out everything, but now was neither the time nor the place to discuss that. As they approached the next stall, he automatically reached for a dark forest green that he’d always loved, only to look and see Faramir holding up a rich, dark blue velvet cloak that Haldir hated on sight. Without a word, he put back the fabric he’d been holding and looked away from Faramir, not understanding why he wanted to parade him around like a prize for all to see.

Faramir glanced at the green that Haldir had held up and frankly did like it better than the blue, but he saw the merchant shake his head with one of those ‘oh that would never do’ looks on his face. He felt trapped between what Haldir wanted, what he himself wanted, and what tradition seemed to demand. He did see Haldir’s eyes land on one of the richer items in that particular stall though, a very plain though beautiful black tunic, and Faramir added it to the small stack of others he knew good and well the Elf hated but were the most expensive. He hoped to send Elreath to get the others that Haldir actually liked sometime later that day. And he would have shared that with Haldir but there were too many others close by. He took Haldir’s hand and led him to the next stall deciding they had enough tunics for now.

Letting himself be led without a word, even as his face flushed a deep red, Haldir reached for a dark brown pair of breeches and, never releasing his master’s hand, looked at him with barely concealed irritation. “I want these,” he said a bit too loudly. “I like brown, and I will be the one wearing it.”

Faramir spun quickly to look at Haldir as he snapped at him in front of one of the merchants, the old man pursed his lips and looked from one to the other and Faramir did the only thing he could do. For the first time ever, he actually threatened to punish Haldir for speaking to him such a way and only because it had been overheard. He jerked the breeches away from him and threw them to the merchant. “Fine. If you speak to me that way one more time, you won’t be wearing them at all because your backside, as beautiful as it is, will be so raw you won’t be able to sit for a week. Understood?”

Haldir’s mouth dropped open and his eyes opened wide as Faramir seemed to change before his very eyes. He reminded himself that he had sworn to be respectful of Faramir, especially in public, but he certainly hadn’t expected the man that had spoke only of being a lonely human wanting Haldir to be close to be threatening him with a raw backside only a few hours later. With as much dignity as he could manage, he stood straighter, squared his shoulders and looked Faramir in the eyes for a split second, knowing his anger and humiliation would be more than apparent in his gaze. After only a moment, he lowered his head and set his jaw, simply refusing to look at Faramir or anyone else. He pulled his hand away from his master and clasped them in front of him in a submissive stance, trying to appease Faramir and the curious onlookers, but truly simply wanting to not touch him anymore. Though Faramir could, and probably would, very likely only take his hand again. “Understood, my LORD Faramir.” Haldir said the right words, but his tone left a bit to be desired, and he knew it, though at the moment, he didn’t really care.

Faramir saw the anger flash in Haldir’s eyes as well as hurt mingled there. He swallowed hard and hardly heard the merchant congratulating him for putting his slave in his proper place. He wanted to scream, but not at Haldir really, he’d had every right to be irritated, just as Faramir did. And he was angry with himself for not explaining more clearly to Haldir about the way things simply were in Gondor. He had forgotten that Haldir just didn’t know. Then as Haldir pulled away and spoke so sarcastically to him again, Faramir reached out and jerked him close. “You are pushing your luck today aren’t you?” he said hearing the merchant beside him clucking something inane about the Elf having a bit too much fire but that their Steward’s son seemed to have him well handled. Faramir wanted to roll his eyes, but instead simply propelled Haldir forward until they were out of the market stalls and heading back toward the citadel. He didn’t speak another word as he marched his slave back to their room and wasn’t sure who he was more angry at. Himself. Haldir. Or those damn curious people and their damnable opinions that always seemed to sway his father.

Shocked into speechlessness again for the second day in a row, Haldir was drug through the streets and saw more than one of the nearby onlookers laughing and pointing. When Faramir opened the door to his room and practically shoved him inside, Haldir turned on him in surprise and couldn’t keep the anger from his eyes even long enough to look away. Instead, he kept their gazes locked and wondered what had just happened? Last night, they had kissed, and Faramir had treated him more like a lover than anything else, this morning, they’d talked and relaxed over their breakfast, and now, suddenly out of nowhere, Faramir had completely switched tracks and was threatening to beat him, not to mention dragging him down the streets for all of Gondor to see. He remembered that Faramir had said inside these walls, he could say what he liked, and wasted no time at all in doing so. “So much for us being companions,” he blurted before even thinking that no, this was not the way he should be acting. “You tried to make it sound nice last night, but obviously you are like all the other Men I have known… a liar, and a user. I doubt you even have any intention of even keeping your end of our bargain!”

Faramir shoved his hands through his hair and took a deep breath as Haldir looked at him. “I am very inclined to beat you right now,” he said shaking his head at Haldir. He saw anger flash again in Haldir’s eyes and stepped toward him. “You promised you would not be disrespectful in public… I have not changed I am simply upholding our bargain. You are who broke it… And as far as a whore, Haldir, I think perhaps it takes a bit more than just allowing me to touch you and taste you until you come for you to be my whore, velvet-clad or not!” he snapped angrily still feeling stung by Haldir’s comment in the marketplace.

Fully prepared for Faramir to strike him, Haldir stepped forward as well, head held high and eyes dark with fury. He had been disrespectful, he knew that, but he’d only been a slave for one day, so he was still trying to get used to the idea. He’d thought Faramir understood, and it’s not like more than one person could have actually heard them. “Pleasure slave, whore, whatever you call me, we both know what everyone thinks I am,” he hissed. “Honestly, why did you even bother taking me to the market if I am not even allowed to pick my own clothes? Why not just buy them yourself and bring them back here… to my prison and your room?”

Faramir sighed heavily and shook his head. “I did not think everything would be such an argument with you today,” he said irritated at not only Haldir but also himself. He knew part of it was Haldir not knowing why, what was expected of a slave in his position. He bit his lip and simply looked at the Elf for a moment. “I will send Elreath for the things that you liked,” he said walking past Haldir to the table to pour himself a glass of water and try to clear his mind.

Haldir looked at Faramir suspiciously for a moment and shook his head. “Do not bother. I am your slave, and there’s no point in my not dressing to please you. I just… I supposed we embarrassed each other. I only wish you had told me that what I wanted should really have been what you wanted, that’s all.” He sat on the edge of the bed, wondering if he really was going to be punished, and telling himself that if he were, he would take it and not utter a word. “So am I being punished or not? I seem to be confused about everything today.”

“If it were for my pleasure you’d wear nothing at all, but it’s a might cold for that isn’t it?” Faramir said sarcastically. He looked up at Haldir though as he sat on the edge of the bed and shook his head. “It was only a threat. Today. Do not push me like this in public again, Haldir, you may not like the outcome. If the merchants had taken offense I would be forced to beat you in public. I do not want that for you… or for myself,” he said setting his glass down. “And this is as much my fault as it is anyone’s… slaves of your stature, belonging to a son of the Steward are expected to be dressed in only the very best. I am at fault for not explaining that before. And… truly if it were to please me… I do like the color blue, like your eyes, they are one of the reasons I was so taken by you the first time I saw you,” he admitted.

Irritated by the ultimatum about the possible outcome, Haldir nevertheless told himself to remember his place. Only yesterday, he had vowed to do as he was told and not antagonize Faramir, who, for the most part had been exceedingly and surprisingly kind to him in every way imaginable. Even last night in bed, when Faramir hadn’t even asked Haldir to touch him. Feeling more than a little embarrassed, Haldir stood, walked closer to Faramir and lowered his eyes, though his jaw was clenched as he spoke. “It is my job to please you,” he said softly, “so I will wear blue. And if you ever take me to the market again, I will show more respect.”

When Haldir came to him, speaking softly, his eyes shuttered and obviously trying his best to be submissive though it wasn’t in his nature, Faramir sighed. “I don’t mind your… fire… here when it is just the two of us,” he whispered tipping Haldir’s chin up so he could look into his eyes. “I just cannot have you act that way in public, it is dangerous,” he added hoping that Haldir would understand.

Haldir found Faramir’s touch more soothing than it had any right to be, even taking the edge off their earlier disagreement. “I know,” he said, realizing that had their positions been reversed and they were living in Lothlórien, his reaction… and the threat… would have been much the same. He gave his master a tentative smile. “I am sorry, Faramir. I did not mean to embarrass you. I guess I am just still trying to… learn my place here.”

“I know,” Faramir said softly, an echo of Haldir’s words and returned the slight smile. “And I am sorry for not explaining before we went… it truly did not occur to me that you simply had no idea what was expected and what I had planned to get the items you liked. The problem was I couldn’t publicly purchase them for you because of my standing at court, so I planned to send Elreath later. But you were right about all of it being very ugly… that rust colored tunic was exceedingly hideous wasn’t it?” he said laughing a little. “We’ll stumble through this together, Haldir.” He wanted to kiss him so badly, he ached to do so, but he let his hand drop away and vowed silently that he wouldn’t force his touch on Haldir any longer if he could help himself. It seemed to only confuse things even more between them. At the bottom of it all, Faramir had simply been lonely, and taken with the Elf. If he could just see him and have someone to share his time with perhaps it would be all right? And Haldir won’t feel even worse having a Man, even one he didn’t find positively disgusting, pawing all over him.

Barely stopping himself from reaching out and taking Faramir’s hand into his own, Haldir laughed and nodded in agreement at both the description of the tunic and the hope that they could stumble through together. He wondered briefly if he should offer to… make it up to Faramir, but something seemed to have changed between them, and somehow, it seemed as if Faramir had almost mentally withdrawn from him. It was more than the hand that dropped away after too short a time; it was the way he looked at Haldir, and the way he seemed to suddenly have his guard up. “I… I suppose I will start on those books from the library,” he said, honestly wishing Faramir would stop him somehow, though he wouldn’t admit it even to himself. “Though, I do not really seem to feel like reading at the moment.”

Faramir nodded as Haldir spoke of the books he’d been so happy about just the evening before. “I should go speak to Elreath, I… I shouldn’t be too long,” he said as he walked away and stopped at the door for only a moment as if hesitating. He wasn’t sure what was the right thing to do. A part of him, yet again thought about their agreement, and how he could simply let Haldir go… but just the idea of that even after one day and even after their argument made him ache. So instead he opened the heavy door and walked out.

It was late in the evening before Faramir finally did return and Haldir was already in bed by that time. He saw the packages had arrived, both the ones Elreath had gotten and the ones the merchants sent.

Quietly, Faramir undressed and slid into the bed, careful not to disturb Haldir or pull him close like he wanted to do. Sighing heavily, he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep.

Haldir was wide-awake when Faramir returned to his rooms later that night. The afternoon had seen package after package delivered and he felt terrible about causing Faramir so much trouble, especially when the brown and olive green tunics began arriving. Faramir had been as good to him as he could be, given the circumstances, and Haldir had been nothing but ungrateful. He started to apologize when he felt the weight of his master on the bed, but he’d already done that, and, judging from the way Faramir had dropped his hand away earlier and was moving so carefully in bed, it was obvious he didn’t want to wake Haldir, though he had every right to. Still unable to simply give in and turn to the man beside him, or simply lay closer, Haldir instead stayed perfectly still and kept his eyes closed. Hours later, when he fell asleep, he was still waiting for any sign from Faramir that he’d forgiven him, though, of course, Haldir was too proud to ask.

Chapter 4

After the day at the marketplace, Faramir had vowed not to touch Haldir anymore even though it was his right and part of their agreement, he decided it would be best not to. He didn’t want to force anything on Haldir and many times came close to saying that he could just go, to amending the agreement and just telling Haldir to go back to his Golden Wood. But he couldn’t. Selfishly he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. But he also couldn’t face him. Every time he looked at the Elf, he wanted him, wanted to touch him, wanted so much that he thought time away from him would help change that. Lessen the need.

So he worked himself so he would sleep at night and rushed from bed in the morning before temptation could overwhelm him. But day-by-day he found it more and more difficult to NOT touch Haldir or ask him to touch him, which he’d never done. He didn’t want to order Haldir to touch him; he wanted the Elf to want to touch him of his own accord.

In the last weeks though, as he’d stayed away more often, it seemed Haldir had found a friend in Elreath and though at first Faramir was glad for him… each day he started to feel more and more jealous of their friendship. Though he couldn’t begrudge his slave of friends, Elreath had always had many friends. She was just a friendly Elleth but she wasn’t a pleasure slave either. Many times pleasure slaves were not allowed friendships because of the need for them to be loyal only to their master alone. It wasn’t until he discovered how happy Haldir was about a gift, a small brooch in the shape of a leaf from Lothlórien, that his jealousy of the pair’s friendship grew even more.

This night he’d returned late, but unlike normal, Haldir wasn’t already in bed; he was sitting on the small couch reading.

“I thought you’d be in bed by now,” Faramir said taking off his cloak. It was probably the first words he’d spoken to Haldir in a week or more.

Haldir had found himself more than a little disturbed at just how much Faramir’s distance was affecting him. Since that first night, his new master had barely looked at him, and seemed to go out of his way so that they didn’t touch. In bed, Faramir slept as far away from Haldir as possible, and he stayed gone for the majority of the day, as if he purposefully left before Haldir awoke, and stayed away until he’d gone to bed. Each night, while he lay quietly beneath the blankets, always completely naked, he held his breath and waited for a touch or a whisper, or even an order that never came. Finally, almost two weeks after their argument about the marketplace, Haldir decided to stop even pretending to be asleep. He was angry at Faramir, unsure of exactly what he was being punished for, especially since he’d apologized, and even more angry at himself for caring in the first place. He’d thought things would continue as they had that first night, with, if not exactly sex, at least the both of them finding their releases in one way or another, but Faramir seemed to have lost all interest in that… or in Haldir himself. Fine. If he wants another slave, then maybe he will let me go.

As Faramir walked in and spoke, Haldir didn’t even bother to look up. He’d been told that he didn’t have to worry about appearances when they were alone and inside this room, so he took Faramir at his word and simply turned the pages of his book with one hand as the other rubbed idly over the brooch Elreath had given him. It reminded him of the only thing he had left, the promise of seeing Lothlórien at the end of his year of service. “You thought wrong,” he finally said after a few moments of silence.

Faramir’s eyebrow rose a bit at Haldir’s tone, unsure what the slave had to be angry about. He was well provided for, well treated, Faramir hadn’t touched him in weeks. Gods, not that he hadn’t wanted to touch him, but he was determined not to force anything more on Haldir than simply being there. His eyes had drifted toward the chest with the agreement so many times of late; it wasn’t like him to keep a slave at all before Haldir… why shouldn’t he just release him? But then he looked up again at Haldir and again his chest tightened. He couldn’t do it. He scowled though when Haldir’s fingers rubbed over that broach again. He knew that Elreath had meant it as a kind gesture. But it still irritated him for some reason. A symbol that Haldir would return to his home one day.

Sighing, Faramir walked over to the table to eat a few bites of the cold food left there on ‘his’ side of the table, from Haldir’s meal hours earlier. “You went to the library again? With Elreath?” he questioned not accusingly at all but his tone wasn’t conversational, matching the tone Haldir had used with him.

“Well it is not like you are ever here long enough for me to go with you,” Haldir said sullenly, still not looking up from his book though he hadn’t actually read a word of it since he’d heard Faramir’s footsteps coming down the hall. “That first day, you had all kinds of plans for us to walk in the garden and visit the library, yet I have not even seen you in the light of day since our little trip to the market, so yes, I went with her. I was not ordered not to, so I do not see what the problem is, unless you are making up new rules as we go along.”

Faramir’s jaw clenched for a moment and he looked down at the table. “I have been busy,” he said trying not to get angry at the way Haldir was speaking to him. Normally he liked his sarcasm and quick tongue but tonight he found it irritating. He’d been finding things to do in truth, physical labor that would tire his body. Yes, he’d considered finding his release alone in the bath, or even considered the whorehouse in the lower level of the city but that wasn’t what he wanted. The one he wanted was sitting only a few feet away from him, scowling at his book.

“And you can go with Elreath, I told you that it was fine for you to go out without me as long as you had an escort,” he said trying not to look back up at Haldir, but somehow his eyes were drawn to him. He was wearing a soft green tunic and it made the gold of his hair shine even more. He could remember how silky it was and his fingers practically ached to feel that softness again. Closing his eyes for a moment, he looked back down at the food he hardly tasted. “Though if Elreath neglects her duties to cater to your wants it could be bad for her you know.” He truly hadn’t meant it to sound as if he were threatening the Elleth, he was simply stating fact.

Haldir slammed his book closed and gritted his teeth, glaring up at Faramir as he struggled to remember that he certainly could overpower him, but that it really wouldn’t be in his best interest to do so. “If you have a problem, LORD Faramir, you should take it out on your pleasure slave, not the Elf who brings you food that you are never here to eat, nor books that you are never here to read. Elreath dotes on you, though honestly, I do not see why she even bothers. It is not as if you even notice anyway.”

Feeling guilty for a moment, Faramir looked down at the table. Elreath always had doted on him and he cared for the Elleth as much as he could for a female anyway. “I do not intend to punish her, I was merely warning that she should not neglect her duties to spend time with you. I am not Elreath’s master, my brother is,” he explained. “It is his duty to do what he sees fit with her… ” he shoved his plate away and stood up. “I do not want to argue with you tonight, Haldir. I am tired. Just…” Faramir bit his lip to keep from ordering Haldir to go to bed. He had not issued a single order to his slave since that day at the market. Instead of saying anything else he headed for the bathing chamber thinking that if he just lay in the tub long enough he’ll cool the blood in his veins because right now… Right now he was highly tempted to do a number of things that would break every promise he’d ever made to Haldir.

“That is right, you do not want to argue with me,” Haldir said as he watched Faramir’s back, stiff with irritation as he headed toward the other room. He stood, speaking just loudly enough for Faramir to either ignore him or hear him, whichever his ‘master’ saw fit to do. “You do not want to argue with me, or see me, or talk to me… And now you are threatening the only friendship I have managed to make in this pathetic, nearly barren excuse of a home you are holding me prisoner in!”

Faramir’s step faltered as Haldir spoke and before he could stop himself, he wheeled on the Elf and barely had the self-control needed to keep from doing something he would regret. He simply stared at the blond. “By the Gods, my patience only goes so far,” he murmured and then looked at Haldir standing there. His lips were full, as if he’d been chewing on them when he’d been reading earlier and Faramir wanted to kiss him so badly in that moment if only to shut the Elf up. “Then do something more with your mouth than hurl insults at me!” he snapped taking both himself and the Elf by surprise by grabbing him and jerking him forward by his tunic front. Before he could stop himself, remind himself of his vow, Faramir kissed him. Not a gentle kiss as those they’d shared in the bed weeks ago, but brutal, crushing his lips against Haldir’s, tasting him, that unique sweet flavor he’d grown to crave, his tongue dueling with Haldir’s. His heart was pounding as he realized Haldir was kissing him back.

Haldir’s eyes opened wide as Faramir grabbed him, and his first thought was that at least he was finally being touched, though not exactly in the way he had planned. He was torn between his pride, which demanded he push Faramir away, and his honor, which told him to submit, as was his place as a pleasure slave, though honestly, neither of them seemed to be getting a great deal of pleasure in these last few weeks. The honorable side of him rallied and his hands moved from their original position of resting on Faramir’s chest to wrapping around his master’s upper arms, holding him still. His lips were already bruised, and they seemed to be fighting for supremacy of the kiss when Haldir finally had the sense to stop trying to dominate. He told himself that he was allowing Faramir to kiss him, but he knew that deep down, he wanted it with every fiber of his being. Each time Faramir acted as if he were going to pull away, Haldir would bite down on Faramir’s bottom lip a bit harder than was comfortable, silently challenging him to continue their kiss if he was man enough to do so. Gods, why did you stop kissing me all those weeks ago? And why am I kissing you back without even being ordered to?

Faramir moaned when sharp teeth nipped his lip, as if to keep him from pulling away, so he didn’t. Instead his hands sank into golden hair he’d longed to touch earlier. He pulled Haldir closer, and kissed him with such fire it seemed to consume them both. Finally, when he did draw away, he was almost shaking with desire, and had to fight hard to keep from demanding Haldir join him in the bath. It seemed his anger had drained away with the kiss though, replaced simply with want, need for the Elf in his arms, but then he remembered his vow. His eyes widened slightly and he stepped away from him. At least Haldir wasn’t insulting him anymore. In fact, he looked as if he wanted Faramir to kiss him again. “I am going to take a bath,” he said not nearly as firmly as he wished his words to be and stalked away, angry with himself for breaking his vow.

The longer they kissed, the more aroused Haldir became, and for the life of him, he thought Faramir was feeling the same way. Instead of leading him to the bed, or a chair, or even the nearest wall, however, Faramir simply pulled away and announced that he was going to the baths… almost as if the kiss had never even happened in the first place. Haldir’s need was replaced with anger before Faramir had even left the room. Obviously, he was going to be kept here like a caged animal, with no where to go and no one to talk to, and he wasn’t even going to be allowed to pleasure the man he was supposed to be a pleasure slave to? It was obvious that Faramir was finding his enjoyment elsewhere, as his desire for Haldir now seemed to be nowhere in sight, unlike that first night when they
had shared Faramir’s bed. Haldir had resigned himself to touching and being touched, being ordered to please Faramir and keep him happy, and now… nothing. Not even a kiss seemed to stir the master he’d vowed to obey until he was freed. Wiping at his wet, now swollen lips, the golden Elf growled and paced the room, wanting Faramir to come back, but having no idea what to say or do when he did.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, he saw Faramir’s knife lying beside his belt, gleaming in the candlelight as if daring Haldir to come closer. Moments later, Haldir was naked and in bed, the knife clutched in his hand beneath his pillow, eyes closed as if he were already asleep.

Faramir tried to calm himself in the bath, he wouldn’t touch himself though, he couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t, he just didn’t feel right. Perhaps because the one he wanted to experience release with, was in the next room? By the time he finally felt clear headed enough, his teeth were almost chattering and he dried quickly before heading for bed. He dropped his robe on the chest at the foot of it as always, and Haldir was already there, seemingly asleep. Faramir sighed and thanked the Gods for that as he crawled into the bed, careful to keep his distance and snuffed out the lamp.

Haldir was far from asleep as he lay in wait for his ‘master’. He wanted to know why he was here, why he was being punished, why Faramir no longer desired him after his simple mistake at the marketplace. He held perfectly still, trying his best to ignore the still-rigid length that curved up against his stomach from between his legs and waited for Faramir’s breathing to even out. The night was cold, and he could feel the way the body next to him was shivering slightly. He would have warmed him, had Faramir ordered him to do so… or even simply asked, but not a word was uttered between them.

Finally, his patience paid off, and he heard the deep, even breathing of the man beside him. Barely even causing the mattress beneath them to move, Haldir moved stealthily across it, making no sound whatsoever, until he was next to and looking down at Faramir. In one smooth, calculated motion, he sprung into action, straddling his master’s thighs to hold him immobile. Haldir managed to have both of his master’s wrists captured and above his head, and the knife at his throat before Faramir was even fully awake. “We need to talk,” he growled. “And if this is the only way to keep you from running off again, then please understand… I can do this for hours.”

Faramir could feel the weight of a body against his and at first, thought he was merely dreaming as he often did, but then tried to move his arm and found he couldn’t. As the fog of sleep slipped away, he felt the cold steel of the knife against him and in the bright moonlight spilling into the room he could see Haldir straddling him. He swallowed carefully and stared up at the golden warrior. He didn’t dare nod his head, so he spoke softly. “All right,” he answered as calmly as he could. “I seem to be your captive audience for the moment.”

“You can punish me all you want when this is over with and I will not resist you,” Haldir said, seeing that Faramir was staying calm despite the circumstances. He admired that; most men would have panicked and likely sliced their own throats in the struggle to get away. “I want to know why one little argument over the color of a tunic made you not want me anymore, and why, since you obviously do not want me, you are still keeping me here!”

Faramir licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry and looked up at Haldir. “I do want you… Gods, I’ve been going mad, why do you think I leave early and work all day finding things to keep me busy and keep my mind off of you?” he whispered. “I… I made a vow that day that I would no longer force my touch on you. That I would hold you here, because it was my pleasure to be with you, but it was so hard not to touch you that… that I had to stay away until I learned to control the need. I’m… I’m sorry I broke my vow tonight and kissed you.”

Haldir’s fingers tightened reflexively on the knife handle as he struggled to make sense of what Faramir was saying, but he kept the blade firmly against his master’s neck. Just the mention of the kiss made him harder than before, and despite the cool air, he could feel a thin sheen of sweat gathering just underneath the back of his thighs where they lay against Faramir’s, holding him still. “I never said you forced your touch on me,” he said angrily. “You asked me once if I found you displeasing, and I told you no. Nothing has changed from my perspective. I am your slave… you do not have to ask for my permission to touch me, nor did I expect you to. I would not have argued either way. You made my position here perfectly clear after the incident in the marketplace.”

Faramir sighed and seemed to press back into the pillow more, a natural struggle away from the knife blade. “I just thought that… that my touching you seemed to confuse things even more between us. I admit I don’t know what I am doing, Haldir. I… I want you so much,” he admitted. “But I won’t force anything with you. I know you said it wasn’t displeasing but… I just… I thought you would be happy that I wasn’t touching you?” Other slaves would love that arrangement from what Faramir knew. Though at the moment, he could feel Haldir’s arousal pressed against him, and realized he too was aroused, but ignored it. He moved slightly and felt the knife press against him again. “If… if you’re going to kill me do it and get it over with. Maybe you’ll get lucky and escape.”

It was almost too much for Haldir, the relief of hearing that Faramir still wanted him, though by all rights, he should have been asking to be freed if Faramir planned on being noble and not touching him anymore. That thought didn’t even occur to him as he pulled the knife away and threw it to the floor, but kept Faramir’s hands held firmly above his head. “Gods, I do not want to kill you,” he murmured as he shifted his hips and slid forward, moaning as their erections finally came into contact. His hand moved back to his master’s neck, and long fingers caressed the thin white line left behind by the pressure of the blade. “I just want you to touch me again. Even if it is only to punish me,” he whispered, as he relaxed his hold on his master’s wrists slightly. He knew well that he deserved to be whipped for his audacity, but even that would be better than being ignored, and failing at the only job he was supposed to be doing in Gondor.

Heat sizzled through his veins as Haldir threw the knife aside and rocked against Faramir. He tried to lift his arm to touch Haldir but the Elf was still holding him tightly for a moment as the Elf touched him for the first time willingly. Caressing his neck so tenderly that Faramir felt another spike of heat stab through him. When his hands were released though he wasted no time in fulfilling his slave’s request. Gods, it had been all he wanted from the start was to have Haldir want him. His fingers traveled over warm skin as he rocked his hips upwards and watched as the Elf’s head fell back as if truly enjoying every brush of contact. “I’m not going to punish you,” Faramir whispered as he sat up, pressing his lips to a smooth chest. He could feel his lover’s heart pounding there and nipped at a small peaked nipple. “Gods, I have missed the taste of your skin,” he whispered as his tongue teased and tasted. Their bodies rocked together, as one hand slid between them and wrapped around both their arousals that were already slick with desire.

Moaning low and deep in his throat, Haldir completely forgot that he wasn’t supposed to want this. Gods, he’d missed Faramir’s lips, even though he’d only tasted them a few times, and at the moment, they seemed softer and fuller as they moved over his chest teasing and kissing, covering sharp, slick teeth that came out to nip at his skin here and there, already driving Haldir mad with desire. His fingers tangled in Faramir’s hair as they moved together, and he could feel his and Faramir’s flesh growing even harder as they dripped thin, clear fluid over his master’s hand. “You did not have to miss it,” he murmured, letting his eyes close and his head fall back again. “I have been right here beside you every night, just waiting…”

Faramir felt his breath catch in his throat as Haldir spoke of waiting for him. He cursed himself as a fool as he remembered how much Haldir had seemed to enjoy his touch that first night. Tonight though… Gods, Haldir was touching him back, without being asked or ordered to. He wanted Faramir as much as the man wanted him and it seemed to make his passion grow. Turning and rolling so that Haldir was beneath him, Faramir simply kissed his way down his body and back up again. His hands explored every inch of skin he could reach and he moaned as their arousals moved together, the blessed friction driving him mad. He wanted to plunge into his lover, to take him, to make love to him until Haldir screamed his name but he feared that even as much as Haldir wanted him right now, he wouldn’t want that. He could ask but he didn’t want to ruin the moment. Pleasuring Haldir was all he’d wanted from the start. It was what gave Faramir the most enjoyment really, hearing his lover cry out for him and enjoying the pleasure that Faramir could bring them. Perhaps it wasn’t what was considered normal with most master and slave relationships but he wasn’t the average master. He didn’t seek control over another, that didn’t make him feel more of a man at all, what did make him feel more was to have a lover want him and need him. Only him. Working his way back up his lover’s body again to his lips, he smiled against them as he felt strong fingers dig into his back. “Haldir,” he whispered and saw the Elf’s eyes open as if perhaps expecting Faramir to ask to take him but the words spoken were completely different than Haldir may have expected. “Please, let me ride you, I want to see you lost in pleasure, lost in me.”

A fog seemed to have settled around Haldir’s mind as Faramir moved against him. He wondered why he hadn’t thought to do this before, to just ask Faramir what was wrong weeks ago, when things had begun to go wrong. But he knew full well that his pride had held him back, just as it would now, when his entire body ached for Faramir to be inside him. He would have said yes, would have given Faramir permission to take what Haldir had allowed so few to take before. The words he heard, however, were the last ones he expected. Letting one hand move up over his master’s chest, Haldir listened to both their breathing and wondered if he’d heard wrong. Faramir wanted to be taken? By… a slave? It took him less than a heartbeat for the answer to fall from his lips. “Gods, yes,” he whispered without the slightest hesitation. “Anything you want… anything at all.” As he spoke, he sat up and reached toward the bedside table where he twisted the globe from the lamp that Faramir kept there to read by. His fingers were slicked in no time at all, and he reached behind his soon-to-be lover, letting his oil-slick fingertips run lightly over Faramir’s entrance. “You are sure you want this… me… that way?” He had to be sure, though he knew without a doubt that if Faramir changed his mind, Haldir would be sorely tempted to beat himself silly for even asking the question.

Haldir’s reaction was probably the most beautiful thing, Faramir had ever witnessed. The surprise warring with desire was so clear in his eyes that it made Faramir’s heart skip in his chest. “Yes, I want this, want you most of all I want you to want me,” he whispered in return, leaning down and kissing Haldir gently. When Haldir sat up and reached for the lamp, Faramir spread his legs wider as he straddled his lover and moaned when slick fingers pressed against him. “Please,” he whispered. His greatest joy was the fact Haldir was willingly touching him, he hadn’t been ordered to. The Elf wanted Faramir, he wasn’t just acting the role of a slave, and Faramir hadn’t fallen in love with the Elf for his submissiveness anyway. He startled as the thought crossed his mind and swallowed hard. Oh Gods. I am a fool. His eyes opened and he gazed down at Haldir, knowing that he’d lost his heart to this Elf who could so easily stir so many things in him. Anger, yes, but so much more like desire, passion, and need. It was why he’d not been able to release him all those times he considered it. He loved him.

It was Haldir’s turn to work at the peaked nubs of flesh on Faramir’s chest as he marveled at his lover’s responsiveness. Despite the darkness of the room, he thought he saw something change in Faramir’s face even as he tensed for a moment and grew silent. Thinking that he was only nervous that a slave was taking him, however, Haldir tried to distract him by gently sucking a pebbled nipple between his lips as he carefully pressed one finger inside. “It is all right,” he whispered, finally releasing Faramir’s nipple. “I will stop if you need me to…” He slowly worked the single digit in as he spoke until it was buried to the knuckle. “Despite my rather… angry display earlier, I would never hurt you, my Lord.”

Faramir’s breathing quickened as heat sizzled from his nipple to his groin and he arched against his lover. He tensed a little as a slick finger dipped within him and he shook his head. “Faramir… please… just Faramir,” he whispered softly as his hands came up to cradle Haldir’s face. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the swollen ones before him and shifted his hips back to drive the questing digit even further inside him. His body was shaking with need and he was breathless when he drew away again. “I’ve wanted you for so long,” he whispered as he rocked in Haldir’s lap and felt his muscles relax and then a second slick finger followed the first. He moaned and clutched at Haldir’s shoulder’s, his fingers flexing against strong muscles as his lover’s fingers brushed against his sweet spot.

Haldir continued stretching the tight muscle, though his entire body was shaking with desire that matched Faramir’s own obvious need. Rather than admit that he’d wanted Faramir as well, he simply concentrated on rubbing over the tiny bundle of nerves buried deep inside him, feeling the gripping ring of muscles clench and release, then relax a bit more each time he did so, slowly opening up for him. “Aye, my L… Faramir,” he breathed as he pulled his hand away and slicked himself. He shifted his hips back then guided his painfully hard length to rest against the well-prepared opening. One arm wrapped around his lover – his master – and held him closer as the other rose to let him gently cup Faramir’s neck in his hand, bringing him down for another kiss as he slowly felt the head of his cock nudge inside the velvety passage between Faramir’s legs.

He was in ecstasy, every nerve seemed to jangle with need, and each time Haldir’s fingers brushed that spot inside him, Faramir’s entire body went ridged for a moment before pleasure shot through him. When the fingers finally withdrew, Faramir bit back a whimper of loss, and watched with heavily lidded eyes as Haldir slicked himself. His mind went completely blank for a moment as Haldir pulled him down for a gentle, amazing kiss and he felt the thick shaft begin to slip inside him slowly. He moaned against Haldir’s lips and pushed down, forcing the thick length to be buried deep inside him. He trembled in his lover’s arms as his body waited to adjust and he felt how tense Haldir was, could feel him struggling to hold back. “Take me, Haldir” he murmured the order softly against his lover’s ear.

Moaning as his flesh was engulfed in the heat of Faramir’s body, it took all of Haldir’s concentration to simply stay still as he felt tight muscles begin to slowly relax around him. His hands moved over the warm expanse of his lover’s back, soothing him without even thinking, already lost in their lovemaking. As soon as Faramir spoke, Haldir moaned again, then lay back, feeling his shaft move even deeper inside the heated passage as he did so. His hands moved easily over the lean, muscled thighs that rested on each side him, loving the way Faramir’s skin was warm and soft, and, at least for the moment, all his. Cupping perfectly formed hips, Haldir helped his lover move, setting up a rhythm he’d meant to be slow and sensuous as their bodies met, but that was fast and almost furious in almost no time at all. “Gods, Faramir…” He said anything and everything that came to mind, murmuring, “master,” and “my Lord,” and “yes,” all in a jumbled mix of languages as he moved.

Faramir tightened his inner muscles and released them again as his lover began to slowly move but in moments; their need grew to be something they couldn’t control. Both of them thrusting against one another, and each word that fell from Haldir’s lips seemed to drive Faramir’s passion higher. Haldir was perfect, Gods, he fit inside Faramir as if he’d simply been made for him. It was a ridiculous thought of course that an Elf could be made for a Man but it seemed true. As their pace increased even more, Faramir cried out as that spot inside him was brushed with every deep thrust. “Touch me,” he whispered, more of a plea than an order as he felt his release already building within him. His fingers dug into Haldir’s shoulders as he rocked over him, and let his head tip back lost in sheer bliss.

Without hesitation, Haldir’s hand slipped between them and wrapped around Faramir’s length. His entire body was reacting on instinct alone, his mind having ceased working long moments before when he was buried so completely inside his lover’s willing body. The swollen tip of Faramir’s arousal was seeping warm fluid so quickly, it took Haldir almost no time at all to gather the drops and smear them over the heated flesh, never breaking his rhythm of deep, almost manic thrusts up into Faramir’s tightness. “Close,” he murmured through gritted teeth as he tried to hold out for as long as he could, though he didn’t stop moving or stroking the length enclosed in his fist. “So close…”

Faramir’s entire body shuddered when Haldir’s fingers wrapped around him, he was so close to losing control that he bit his lip hard hoping the pain would help him last. It didn’t seem to help though, and when Haldir whispered he was close as well, he looked at him. The moonlight spilling into the room seemed to make Haldir’s pale body glow and his golden hair looked like liquid silver as it spilled across the pillow. It was one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen. “Come for me then, come with me,” he whispered as he rocked his hips into the tight grip and back to impale himself on the thick length buried inside him. It took only a few more strokes before Faramir lost control, his muscles tensed and he came so hard his vision dimmed and his breath hitched in his chest.

Just as Haldir felt Faramir’s flesh swell and jerk in his hand, he gave a strangled cry and pushed his hips up to meet his lover’s downward thrust. He came hard, coating the clenching inner muscles wrapped around him even as his own fingers were covered with Faramir’s release. Two weeks of frustration and anger had built up inside him, but even that was gone as he spilled again and again within the welcome comfort of Faramir’s body. Arching up off the bed, he sat up, buried his face against a broad, sweat slicked chest and simply held on to him as the last vestiges of his orgasm were wrung from him and he coaxed the last of Faramir’s release from his now spent organ. Rather than laying back down, he simply stayed where he was, breathing hard and nuzzling against his lover, not even trying to make himself understand what had made this experience different and more fulfilling than all the others he’d ever had in his long life.

Faramir was panting and gasping for breath as they held one another. They’d come together, almost at the very same instant, and it was the most incredible feeling he’d ever known. He’d had lovers before, but none that touched his heart the way Haldir did. His arms wrapped around the strong Elf, his fingers threading in soft blond hair and he simply held him close, still feeling his spent arousal pulse inside him with each breath. After long moments, he tipped Haldir’s face up to his own and kissed him tenderly. He couldn’t explain how he felt about the Elf, he was supposed to be Faramir’s slave but in truth, the slave had more control over his master than either of them could imagine. And all because Faramir loved him. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Haldir’s, not speaking, just simply holding him. After a short time he felt his lover slip from inside him, slick fluid run down the inside of his thighs and he couldn’t have been happier. Laying Haldir back and sliding down in the bed next to him, Faramir snuggled close and simply listened to the steady heartbeat.

Haldir closed his eyes and wrapped his arm around Faramir’s shoulders, surprised at how comfortable it felt to have his lover close, and finally touching him again. Vaguely, the thoughts that Faramir was still his master rang in his head, but he stubbornly refused to listen to them just yet, not wanting to let go of this all too perfect moment. He reached down, grabbed the edge of the blanket and cleaned them both without saying a word. First Faramir’s stomach, then his own, then lower, between his lover’s legs, and then his hand. When he was finished, he pressed a kiss against his lips that were still swollen from their earlier explorations and smiled as he looked into clear blue eyes. “As odd as it may sound, thinking you did not want me anymore was the worst punishment I could have thought of,” he said softly as his fingers carded through soft auburn hair. “I felt like I had failed in my duties. It is your right, I know, to do with me whatever you wish, but Gods, I thought you were torturing me on purpose.”

Faramir watched silently, touched to his core that Haldir was tending him without being asked or ordered. He was surprised to learn that Haldir not only wasn’t disgusted by his touch but had wanted it. He’d thought that his slave might feel it… demeaning being touched by someone who ‘owned’ him. But then again, Faramir had been kind to him, had treated him with as much kindness as one could a slave. At first it was because he was so taken by him, he’d wanted to possess something so beautiful, but then as he’d gotten to know Haldir, he found that he liked him. And now he knew that not only was he obsessed with the Elf, he was in love with him. Faramir licked his lips as Haldir spoke and sighed softly. “I was torturing us both I think,” he whispered. “I had thought you would be happy not to have me touching you. But, Gods, I missed touching you so much I ached. It was why I stayed away so much. I couldn’t face you each day knowing I’d vowed not to touch you. I simply wasn’t strong enough to be here with you and have that measure of control, but then I missed you. And… and I hate to say that I had become jealous of your friendship with Elreath because… I wanted to be the one spending time with you but couldn’t.”

Careful not to let his surprise be heard in his voice, Haldir snuggled closer and smiled at Faramir. “Elreath and I are only friends,” he assured his master. He was still marveling at his own response to this man in his arms, the man who was holding him captive against his will, and worse yet, was a human. A human that he was incredibly attracted to at that. “I should not even be presumptuous enough to ask, but… in the future, would you please not make that no-touching-my-pleasure-slave vow? By law it is your right whether I want you to or not, but if it makes you feel better… I confess I wanted you to. Even when I was angry at you, I was still yearning for your touch.”

Faramir nodded when Haldir said that he and Elreath are only friends. He suspected that anyway, he’d known for quite some time that Elreath only had eyes for his brother anyway, but that still didn’t lessen his jealousy as irrational as it was. When Haldir said it was his right to touch, Haldir, his lips set in a thin line for a moment, but then found himself smiling as the Elf continued. “I won’t make that vow again, it was foolish but I just… I know you were confused that day. Here I’d treated you tenderly and then turned around and threatened you. You do know it was only a threat that day? I wouldn’t have beaten you… even though by the time we got back here I had truly wanted to,” he grinned then, “Even then I wouldn’t have. I’ve said before I’m not a cruel man. But truly Haldir, the laws here in Gondor… if one of those merchants had taken offense they could have demanded satisfaction… in public.”

Haldir laughed softly, knowing that his stubbornness had gotten him in trouble more than once in his lifetime, and would most likely do so again here in Gondor. “No, I did not know if it was only a threat or not, to be honest,” he said after a moment. “I do know of your laws, though, and I was wrong to talk back to you, especially in public. I am still getting used to the idea that my life is no longer my own… and that I should try to keep what dignity I can, despite my circumstances.”

It didn’t seem real, laying here like this, holding Faramir close against him, his anger nowhere to be found. So different from only an hour ago when… “Oh, Gods, I am sorry about earlier,” he said suddenly feeling ashamed. “I know I could be killed for threatening you with that knife… I just, I wanted to talk to you, and you kept walking away from me, and… I know my saying it will not make it any less horrible, but I really never would have hurt you.”

“I don’t want to take your dignity, and I do like when you talk back to me… sometimes,” Faramir grinned. “Just not in public, Haldir. As I said before, it is far too dangerous.” Faramir placed a small kiss against Haldir’s chest and looked up at him when he apologized. “I already forgave you for that, you will not be punished in any way at all. What happened tonight… is private. Though I would appreciate next time that you simply ask me what you want to without having to resort to that sort of tactic. Though… it certainly gained my attention.” He grinned at him then. Somehow he’d known Haldir wouldn’t kill him, had known his throat would have already been slit before he’d even awoken if Haldir truly meant him harm. It was why he’d never been careful about his weapons beyond that first day.

Unable to keep from returning Faramir’s grin, Haldir felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to kiss him again. Whether it was from the easy acceptance of the threat he’d made, or simply the laughter that seemed to be just behind Faramir’s lips, Haldir couldn’t be sure, but he certainly couldn’t deny that it was there. It was not his place to do so, and not something he should want, but it seemed like the rules were different for them both behind closed doors. Without another word, he slid down in the bed, keeping one arm underneath his master’s head and the other wrapped around him, with his hand resting at the small of Faramir’s back. He leaned forward, gently pressing his lips over his master’s and opened his mouth, wanting to be reminded of who was in charge. It wasn’t like him, this almost-willing submission, but the entire situation didn’t make sense to him, so why should his sudden unexplainable urges be any different?

To say Faramir was surprised when Haldir slid down in the bed and then gently kissed him, offering himself, it would have been an understatement. His arms wrapped around his golden Elf and he kissed him deeply, his tongue tenderly exploring the warm wet cavern. Gods, he’d missed Haldir’s flavor, his very essence it seemed. He had no idea what it was about the Elf that had Faramir so completely in love with him, there was just so much. He coaxed Haldir’s tongue to mingle with his own, moaned against his lips, and arched his body against his slightly. It was tenderness… and it seemed to undo him completely. Once they drew apart again, panting and breathless, Faramir smiled as his fingers ran through soft gold. “You are so exquisitely beautiful, Haldir,” he whispered gazing up at the Elf.

Extraordinarily pleased that Faramir thought so, Haldir smiled and laid back on the pillow, letting his fingertips move lightly over his master’s face. “I never thought I would think this about a human, but… Gods, Faramir, so are you.” He knew it was the expected response from a slave to his master, but he also knew that it was nothing but the truth, and hoped that Faramir understood that. “So… will you spend some time with me tomorrow, my Lord? Or are you still too busy?”

Faramir smiled, though he didn’t see any falseness in Haldir’s eyes he did wonder if his response were merely because it was expected. He pushed the thoughts away and shook his head. “No, not too busy. In truth, I’d been searching for things to do,” he admitted. “I would like to be the one to take you to the library… and anywhere else you might want to explore,” he whispered softly.

“I would like that very much,” Haldir smiled, hoping that things would be better now that they’d at least talked. “I think you will not have to search for things to do anymore, and since I am your pleasure… slave…” The word still stuck on his tongue a bit, but at least now he could say it without grimacing, “then I think I should start giving you pleasure instead of grief.” As he spoke, he carefully slid his arm from underneath Faramir’s head and moved down in the bed. Before his master could respond or even wonder what he was doing, Haldir had taken the spent arousal that lay against Faramir’s thigh and gently sucked it into his mouth, letting his tongue work the thin slit at the tip. If he was going to be a pleasure slave, then by the Valar, he vowed, he would be a good one.

Faramir watched curiously as Haldir moved. He thought perhaps he were simply moving to reach for the blankets which had been kicked to the end of the bed, but then he was taken completely by surprise, when a warm wet mouth surrounded his spent arousal that seemed to surge within his slave’s mouth as if waking. “Ah, Gods, Haldir,” he gasped as he looked down into eyes that seemed to sparkle up at him in the bright moonlight. One hand slid into soft hair, just needing to touch the beautiful Elf while the other hand curled in the sheet beneath him.

The silky flesh began to grow hard at once under his ministrations, and Haldir lifted one hand to gently knead the delicate sac that hung below. In almost no time at all, Faramir was fully hard again, and Haldir could taste him on the back of his tongue. He lowered his mouth, taking every last inch between his lips until his nose was buried in soft curls. Each time the now-leaking head nudged the back of his throat, Haldir swallowed deliberately. This was the first time he’d done this with his new master, and he found that he enjoyed it immensely, simply giving pleasure, as he was now sworn to do. He vaguely thought of touching himself as he worked, but decided that going to sleep with a bit of frustration would be a good thing, and make him more focused on pleasing Faramir early the next morning… or even later that night.

Faramir moaned as the muscles of Haldir’s throat tightened and released around him. Gods, he’d never imagined Haldir would do this of his own volition. It was why Faramir hadn’t demanded it; he’d felt that it simply wouldn’t be as good if someone only pretended to want him. But Haldir acted as if he did. Before Faramir could wonder about that though, he felt a tongue flick against him and then muscles tightening again. His arousal seemed to be as strong as it was earlier, perhaps more so, just knowing that Haldir was offering this freely. His hips shifted and he writhed against the sheets as his body tensed. His release was already building quickly. “Please… oh Gods,” he whimpered as his hips shifted again. He wanted to thrust into the mouth surrounding him, but he held back not wanting Haldir to not enjoy the experience and never do it again.

Seeing that Faramir was doing his best to hold back, Haldir lifted his head up, though he didn’t stop sucking and licking at the thick shaft in his mouth. His hands settled on his master’s hips and he rocked Faramir’s lower body, essentially making him thrust forward and back past his lips. Watching his lover through half-lidded eyes, he redoubled his efforts at making him come undone and began humming lightly around the dripping organ. Gods, I think this year may not be so bad after all, if he gives himself so fully when I touch him…

When Haldir guided his hips, encouraging him to thrust, Faramir was stunned for a moment, but the wonderful feeling the Elf was wringing from him was too overwhelming to dwell on his shock. His hips began to move, thrusting into his lover’s mouth. He groaned as smooth teeth barely grazed over his sensitive flesh and could feel his release building again, the tightening of muscles, the heat in the pit of his stomach. “Haldir… Gods, I’m,” before he could finish his warning though his body went ridged and he arched against the bed as his release spilled from him for the second time that night.

Haldir felt the warning throb of Faramir’s flesh just before his mouth was filled, but had no intention of pulling away. He swallowed everything his master had to offer, then continued to suck gently and nurse the still-sensitive flesh until there was nothing left. As Faramir trembled beneath him, Haldir released the again-spent organ and contented himself with licking at the warm skin as it softened and gave a final, exhausted twitch. When he was finished, he moved back up in the bed and rested his head on Faramir’s stomach, wrapping both arms beneath his lover and squeezing gently. “Thank you for being so kind to me, Faramir, and so generous. I do want to please you in every way possible until I have earned my freedom again.”

His entire body was trembling in the aftermath of his release, and a part of him wanted to pleasure Haldir in return but at the moment he was so exhausted. A day of working hard and then already finding his release not once but twice had made him a boneless, exhausted mess. When Haldir moved closer, hugging him, he could feel a hard arousal against him and started to tell Haldir to pleasure himself and allow Faramir to watch. Though that would probably mean Faramir would get aroused yet again… just the idea made him twitch. But then Haldir’s words sunk in. ‘Until I’ve earned my freedom again.’ He felt a coldness grip his heart and he knew that even if it seemed Haldir were enjoying himself, he would always be looking forward to the day that he would leave. So Faramir simply put his arms around him and nodded. “You do please me,” he whispered softly. “Let’s get some sleep.”

Yawning as he nodded in agreement, Haldir closed his eyes and simply stayed where he was, half laying on Faramir. It was so nice to feel him close again after so many nights of practically sleeping alone despite sharing the same bed, that he wasn’t ready to let him go just yet, not unless he was ordered to. “Good night, Faramir,” he whispered as he turned his head slightly and pressed a kiss to his master’s stomach. “Sleep well.”

Running his fingers idly through, Haldir’s hair, Faramir smiled slightly. “Sleep well, my golden one.” He dozed off in a slightly confused but completely exhausted haze and trying to block out the fact that in less than a years time he would yet again be alone.

Chapter 5

The weeks passed and it had been about three months since Haldir had come into Faramir’s life. They had gotten along since the ‘knife incident’ though Haldir did continue to speak his mind whenever he wanted and Faramir had no issue with that. As long as it kept to their chambers none had to know that Faramir allowed his slave more freedom than most.

On this day they had gone to the library, it was particularly cold outside, so there was little they could do besides stay curled up in their chamber by the fire and read. Faramir had found that Haldir seemed to enjoy curling up with him that way though, often just did without Faramir needing to pull him close or even ask. Sometimes, and happily so, he just ended up with a lap full of gorgeous Elf, and that was more than fine by Faramir.

They were choosing books to take back to their room, enough so they wouldn’t have to make the chilly trek again for a few days. Faramir’s part of the citadel was colder, less inhabited than the opposite side, but he liked his privacy there.

He heard Haldir fumble one of his books and looked up from the one he was flipping through. “What is it?” he asked as he saw his slave openly staring toward the end of the bookcase and unable to see what or who had caught his eye.

It took Haldir a moment to respond, but finally, he nodded toward the end of the case and looked back at Faramir in bewilderment. “I… who is that?” he asked, making no effort to hide his surprise at the dark haired, very pregnant Elf who was in the process of stacking books high up on a nearby shelf. “I’ve never seen her before, but she looks like she’s rather at home in here.”

Faramir smiled as he leaned around Haldir and saw Nalaia. “That is Nalaia, she is the librarian’s wife,” he explained, not even considering the implications. Faramir had known them since he was thirteen and the thought hadn’t crossed his mind how ‘odd’ it might seem to Haldir at all.

“Nalaia?” Haldir repeated the name, but wondered why a slave was working in the libraries when she obviously should have been at home resting. Still… He looked again. On second thought, she didn’t look all that unhappy to be in the library, and certainly not as if she’d been forced into working. His ears pricked when he heard her humming happily, and then the implications of Faramir’s words finally hit him. “The librarian’s wife? You mean your librarian is… is an Elf? How is that possible?”

Faramir startled when Haldir asked if the librarian was an Elf. “What? Oh… oh no… he’s not an Elf, he’s a Man, Haldir. I… oh,” he trailed off as it finally dawned on him why Haldir was confused. “You… you didn’t know that sometimes… though it’s not… very socially accepted here in Gondor… sometimes masters and slaves fall in love and marry. Nalaia was Aimery’s slave for only a short time actually when they fell in love. She’s carrying their third child in fact. It’s… well… its why I have his chambers in the citadel. Father was so angry when they wed that he almost banished them from Gondor completely, but I managed to make my father see reason. He did ask them to leave the citadel and move to a house in the upper circle but… he did allow them to stay. A few years later I asked permission to move into his old chambers and it was granted. Doesn’t that ever happen in Lórien? Slaves and masters… becoming more?”

Haldir’s eyes were wide as Faramir explained Nalaia and Aimery’s relationship, both now and in the past. He’d heard of masters and slaves falling in love, of course, but knew that it wasn’t common practice to openly declare their feelings, let alone marry. “Well, yes, not often,” he said, even more intrigued by how happy Nalaia looked as she continued to sing softly under her breath. “I mean… once or twice a Master and slave… an Elf and Human marry, but, certainly not often. They would be looked down upon, and… well, if this had happened in Lothlórien, I have no doubt they would both be shunned and banned from being inside our borders.” He sighed and turned back to Faramir. “I think it would take a great love indeed to overcome all the adversity they must face every day just because of how they feel for each other…” His words trailed off as he was distracted by seeing a book he’d been looking for just over Faramir’s shoulder. There was no one around to see them, so he simply leaned forward, grabbed the book and placed a kiss on his master’s cheek. “Have you ever loved someone like that, Faramir? So much that you would give up almost everything for them?”

Faramir smiled as he looked toward Nalaia. “They do share a great love I think,” he began but then Haldir kissed him so sweetly and his question rocked the man to his core. He simply stared at Haldir and found himself unable to answer for a moment. “I think that I could, if I was loved in return,” he answered finally. He looked away for a moment and managed a smile then. “Have you found everything you need?” he asked looking at the rather large stack of books Haldir had tucked under his arm.

Footsteps coming up behind them caused Haldir to stand a bit straighter and lower his eyes as he wondered how it would feel to love someone that much. He doubted he would ever know. Once he was freed from Gondor, he would return to Lothlórien and probably keep to himself, hoping no one would ask what he’d been doing for the past year in the human city. He certainly never planned to tell them that he’d been a pleasure slave of all things. “Yes, my Lord,” he said softly, sensing the approach of a human and an Elf. “I have everything, thank you.”

Faramir frowned slightly at the way Haldir was suddenly acting so submissive and then realized they had company. He turned in time to see his father and his slave approach. Faramir too stood a bit straighter and nodded. “Father, I did not expect to see you here,” he said knowing usually Denethor sent someone else to gather books for him. “And hello again, Melvir,” he said smiling at the slave. His father hated when he addressed his slave that way but both he and Boromir did it anyway. They did have names after all. Melvir looked up and gave a tentative smile and then glanced at the golden Elf with Faramir. He looked as if… .he was treated quite well though he’d expect that of Lord Faramir.

“I wish you wouldn’t do that,” Denethor said frowning and giving Haldir a cursory glance at first, then letting his eyes linger. “I must say you’ve good taste, I thought you’d never come around… but your first choice of slave is… quite attractive. Boromir had mentioned you’d taken one, I was quite proud to hear of it. Now that I see him though… it’s a pity we don’t still have the tradition of fathers and sons swapping slaves for a few nights now that I see him.”

Faramir tried to bite back a response that would likely get him into an argument with his father and merely nodded. The tradition had ended because it sometimes caused issues between those involved, jealousy, and pettiness to name just a few problems. It was also why only single men or women had pleasure slaves.

“At any rate, since I’m here, I need to speak with you about something…” Denethor said changing the subject.

“Of course,” Faramir nodded and placed his hand on Haldir’s arm. “I won’t be long, Haldir… perhaps you and Melvir can become acquainted.”

“Do you have to do that?” Denethor said again feeling a bit like a magpie constantly repeating questions to his sons. Usually the same ones.

“Do what, father?” Faramir asked innocently.

“Treat them like they are equals, it doesn’t matter what he wants. He should stand there and wait simply because it is his duty to do so. If you are finally taking a slave after all this time, at least do it properly.”

Faramir sighed as they rounded the bookcase to a more private area knowing he’d get a lecture plus have to discuss whatever business his father had in mind.

Haldir’s face flushed, but he lowered his head so that his hair would conceal it and gritted his teeth until Denethor and Faramir were out of sight. When he finally looked up, he saw Denethor’s rather timid looking slave standing before him, looking tired and almost hopeless. “How much longer must you serve him?” he asked softly, wondering how the Elf could even pretend to tolerate Denethor’s touch, though Haldir knew he had little choice. “Surely you’ll be free soon?”

Melvir was startled by the golden Elf’s question. “I… excuse me? Free?” he laughed bitterly. “Surely you are joking. I will be here until Denethor dies, which there are some days I think cannot be soon enough.”

Biting back his surprise, Haldir realized the he truly had been lucky to catch Faramir’s eye. “I am sorry, I just… some of the masters free their slaves, and… Gods, I do not see how you stand it. I know you must be loyal to him, but…” He shuddered as he looked down and saw the bruises on Melvir’s wrists and a large, darker one on the side of his neck. He remembered Faramir saying that Denethor had owned Melvir for several years now. “I think he must be a cruel master. I admire you for enduring him for so long. I do not think I could have done it.”

“He is kind sometimes,” Melvir said softly and sighed. “But most times he is not. His sons though… you are truly lucky to have Lord Faramir as a master, he is even kinder I think than Lord Boromir, who never beats his slaves. Elreath adores him even though she isn’t a pleasure slave I think… I think she is why Lord Boromir hasn’t taken a new pleasure slave these last few years,” he said smiling just a little as he leaned closer to Haldir to share the ‘secret’. Anytime a human truly fancied one of the slaves, the others took notice. Often it was some jealousy on their part, wishing they were treated that well, though other times it was simply joy for their brethren.

Haldir smiled and nodded, remembering Elreath’s stories about her time with Boromir, who, as Melvir had just confirmed, was almost as kind as Faramir. “He – Lord Faramir, I mean – is the best master one could have, I think, though I am still not happy with the idea of having a master at all.” He was leaning toward Melvir as well so the Men wouldn’t hear them. “I think we could almost be friends, if it were not for the fact that he technically owns me.” When Melvir looked surprised he rested one hand on the other Elf’s arm. “Maybe one day your master will tire of you, and if not set you free, at least let someone like Faramir take you?” Even as he spoke of his freedom, he rejected the idea. No, Melvir seemed nice enough, and deserved a better master certainly, but he wasn’t Faramir’s type. For some reason the very idea of Faramir taking another slave after Haldir was freed grated on his nerves, but he told himself that what his former master did after he left was really none of his concern. “Forgive me for being nosy, but… does he… force himself on you? Denethor I mean? I know many slaves give permission rather than be beaten, but Gods, I can’t imagine having that vile… I am sorry. That was incredibly rude of me to ask. Please pretend I did not say anything…”

Melvir’s eyes widened as Haldir spoke. “You should be careful what you say. It can get you into trouble, that even your master might not be able to protect you from if the right people overheard you,” he warned in reference to Haldir not liking being ‘owned’. “If anyone takes offense to anything we do or say… a slave can be punished. They do offer a choice though. Be flogged publicly by your master or be given to the guards for one night, and since they are under orders not to ‘ruin’ you for your master, they aren’t so horrible as you might think. You have to submit though. If you choose the guards then you are choosing for them to use as they see fit. I have done that a few times, and it is much better than being flogged.” He looked down though when Haldir spoke of Denethor forcing him. “My master is persuasive. If I submit, he won’t hurt me. I was… stubborn at first though and learned the hard way not to be. Master Denethor can be demanding and even cruel when angry, though much of the time he will merely rant. The problem for me has been learning when he will rant and when he will do… other things. There were so many rules to learn at first, and I made many mistakes. Have you? I… I mean made mistakes you were punished for? That’s a silly question I suppose, everyone has.”

Haldir looked down at his feet for a moment and shuddered as Melvir talked of being given to the guards. As the other Elf continued, however, he still couldn’t look up to meet the dark eyes before him. He’d never been punished, and when he and Faramir were alone in Faramir’s rooms, he was free to say anything that came to mind. Finally, he lifted his head but looked in Faramir’s direction instead of at Melvir. “I have made many mistakes,” he answered vaguely, leaving off the fact that he’d never been punished for them. He heard Denethor raising is voice as he was talking to Faramir, and Faramir’s calm, reassuring voice answering him. “It is hard to believe they are father and son. They are as different as night and day.”

Melvir watched the play of emotions on the other Elf’s face and wondered why he was looking so… wistfully after Lord Faramir. He nodded in agreement though. “They do seem to be don’t they? I think when one witnesses the three together it makes a little more sense. Watching the few times I’ve been allowed in the council chamber over the years you can see the differences and even some similarity between them.” He almost laughed when Haldir made a bit of a face.

“Gods, I hope not,” Haldir said with a smile. “Have you…” His words were cut off as he heard their masters stop talking and their voices started getting closer. He spoke low and quickly, hoping to make Melvir smile even as they both pulled back their shoulders and lowered their eyes. “If it gets too bad, maybe you can think of your master being a slave in Lórien or Imladris. I think that would put a smile on anyone’s face.”

Melvir had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the idea of Denethor on his knees before him, hands bound and eyes downcast. Oh, that was an image he would dearly love to see. He tried not to smile as his master approached but couldn’t help himself.

Denethor raised his eyebrow wondering what the two Elves had been talking about, but if Melvir were cheerful then perhaps it would be an interesting afternoon. His eyes didn’t settle on the other Elf though or he might have recognized the adoring way he looked at his son. No slave had ever gazed at him with adoration.

Faramir made a bit of a face behind his father’s back as the man bade them a good day and grabbed Melvir’s arm roughly. “Good day, father,” Faramir called after him and looked at Haldir. “I’m sorry that took so long, I take it you and Melvir found things to talk about? He doesn’t smile often, so thank you for whatever you said that made him smile.”

Haldir thought that he wouldn’t smile either if he belonged to Denethor, but managed to keep from saying that out loud. “He is a nice Elf,” he murmured, seeing that the library was beginning to fill up. He kept his head bowed slightly, and his voice low. “Honestly, he makes me see how lucky I am to be yours. He had half a dozen bruises on his arms and neck alone.”

Faramir almost smiled when Haldir said he was lucky to be his but then frowned instead as he continued. “I… don’t approve of my father’s tactics with his slaves,” he murmured and took Haldir’s arm gently. “We should return, it’s getting crowded here.” He hated seeing Haldir with his head bowed like that. He knew it was proper, knew it was what he himself had told Haldir he must do in public when others were around but he hated it. Haldir was far too beautiful when he was in command of himself.

Without thinking, Haldir put his hand over Faramir’s as it lay on his arm, and gave it a gentle squeeze. He didn’t speak, knowing that his master would sense the warmth and gratefulness Haldir had put into the gesture, though he wondered at himself for thanking the man who’d made him a slave. “Aye,” he nodded as he released Faramir’s hand and turned to get the stack of books they’d chosen. “We should go.”

Faramir smiled happily when Haldir again touched him freely. It had happened more and more in the last weeks and he loved every single fleeting touch, every caress, and every tiny kiss that was given freely. He began gathering books and they made their way back upstairs to their room to spend the cold winter day curled up with their books and one another.

Chapter 6

Both Man and Elf woke up still a bit tired, though it was their own fault. It seemed the night before they’d been unable to keep their hands off one another as they’d gone to bed, and spent most of it pleasuring each other until almost sunrise. Faramir though should have known better, now that the cold weather was clearing his men were practicing again. They awoke to the sounds of men shouting downstairs as they worked to set up the targets.

They were wrapped in one another’s arms and both of them groaned when Faramir whispered that he had to go downstairs. He’d smiled at Haldir though, the day was promising to be a beautiful one and so he invited him to go with him.

When they got downstairs Faramir wasn’t surprised to see a few other men had their slaves with them as well enjoying the fresh air. One of his men called to him to settle an argument, so Faramir left Haldir near the low fence that surrounded the small practice area.

Haldir settled beneath the nearest tree and wished the Gondorian laws allowed slaves weapons. He would dearly love to wield a sword or bow and arrow again, but knew there was no chance of that happening until he was freed. He watched Faramir for a few moments, smiling faintly, when Brevir, one of the new, young Rangers came to stand beside him. Nudging Haldir with the tip of his boot, he made sure Faramir wasn’t around and smiled when the golden Elf looked up at him. He was fairly certain he could get away with saying or doing almost anything he liked. After all, who would believe a slave over a Ranger? Deliberately dropping the small vial of cleaning fluid he’d been using on his sword, he reached down and tugged on Haldir’s hair. “Pick that up for me, slave.”

Haldir’s eyes darkened but he remembered his vow not to embarrass Faramir, so he simply reached over and picked the vial up, then offered it to Brevir, who promptly dropped it again. “I could make things easier on you,” Brevir said softly as he knelt beside Haldir. “When Faramir is away, or on the fields, I could keep you from getting… bored. I have a slave of my own, but I seem to keep him worn out with my rather… unusual appetites.” He reached out and rested one hand on Haldir’s arm, snarling when Haldir promptly pulled away.

“I am not interested,” Haldir said, making an effort to keep his voice calm. “But thank you for your offer.”

Brevir’s eyes flashed for a moment at the way he was dismissed by a mere slave. Though he knew it was against the laws of Gondor to touch another’s slave, he was undaunted. His hand wrapped around Haldir’s arm and pulled the Elf up from the ground where he sat. “Perhaps I wasn’t very clear, it wasn’t an offer slave,” he growled low and close to the Elf’s ear to keep anyone from overhearing.

Haldir jerked his arm away and fought the urge to simply wrap his hands around the Man’s neck. The punishment for disobedience was harsh, and he was prepared to deal with that, but he was unwilling to shame Faramir after he’d been so kind to him. “I am not your slave,” he hissed. He knew he should lower his eyes, or simply beg Brevir to leave him alone, but his humility only went so far. “Just leave me alone and we can pretend this never happened, Bre… sir, and we will both be better off for it.”

Brevir raised his hand as the slave hissed at him as if to slap him for his disobedience. It infuriated him more when the Elf tipped his chin up defiantly. But someone nearby cleared their throat and his eyes widened when he saw his captain crossing the lists as if he were ready to kill. Probably him. He had no right to touch his captain’s property. He released the slave and glared at the blond.

Faramir had to keep a tight reign on his temper but every fiber of his body wanted to throttle Brevir for daring to touch Haldir. “What in the Valar’s name is going on, Brevir?” he managed through gritted teeth.

The man looked directly at his captain and lied smoothly. “I merely dropped something and asked your slave to retrieve it since he was sitting so close. But he told me that he is not my slave to get it myself.”

Faramir looked at Haldir. “Is this true?”

“Sir? You doubt my honor? Of course it is true, you don’t need to ask your SLAVE if it is,” Brevir almost shouted, offended that Faramir would even ask the Elf to confirm or deny his story.

Haldir knew he had put both himself and Faramir in an impossible position. No matter how close they’d been lately, he was still a slave. It was just so easy to forget that sometimes. And no matter what, he wasn’t about to stand here and argue with one of Faramir’s peers about what had just happened. No one would dare believe a slave over a Ranger. “Aye. I did tell him I am not his slave,” he said, not even bothering trying to explain why he’d said it.

Faramir looked at Haldir for a moment and back at the other Ranger. Brevir looked relieved by Haldir’s words. Something was being left out of whatever was going on here, he was certain of it. “Brevir, it is true he is most certainly not your slave. That being said I must apologize for his behavior. He is… unaccustomed to orders from anyone but me,” he said trying to smooth things over.

“That, sir isn’t good enough,” Brevir decided.

Without thinking, Haldir looked up at the Ranger furiously and snapped, all thoughts of saving face for Faramir’s sake pushed to the back of his mind in his anger. “Oh, and I suppose you think you should bring me to your bedchambers and teach me a lesson, Ranger? I think not! I could kill you without even breaking a sweat, you know, but first I would take great pleasure in breaking off the ‘weapon’ you would like to punish me with!”

Faramir’s mouth dropped open for a moment, realizing clearly what had probably transpired. After all, Haldir was exceptionally beautiful and he’d seen him garner more than a few appreciative looks when they did venture out together. But silence had fallen across the entire field. Men were gaping; even the other slaves’ eyes were wide in fear for their fellow Elf.

He watched as Brevir’s hand balled into a fist and Faramir stepped forward between them before the other Ranger could hit Haldir. The man’s fist stopped just inches from his own face. He knew better than to strike his captain and Brevir glared at his commander. “I demand satisfaction!”

Faramir glared back at the other man. “If anyone is to punish my slave it’ll be me,” he growled, and spun so quickly he barely saw the shocked look in Haldir’s eyes when he grabbed him and slung the Elf over his shoulder. He quickly made his way upstairs with Haldir almost bouncing his way back to their room. When he kicked open the door he strode to the bed and slung Haldir back onto it, Faramir’s hands already going to his belt.

Furious and humiliated at being hauled from the field like a sack of potatoes, Haldir scrambled up from the bed and dared to glare at his master. So many months without punishment, and now this. He well deserved it, but he was surprised at the anger in Faramir’s face as he unfastened his belt and slipped it from around his waist. “Punish me all you like, but I do not regret my words to him,” he muttered looking around Faramir’s room and wondering if he would be ordered to lean over the bed or the desk. “And I hope you do not expect me to apologize!”

Faramir ignored Haldir’s words as he gripped the belt in his hand. He stepped forward and swung the belt hard, so that it slammed down on the bed with a loud crackling snap that he was certain could be heard downstairs in the still silent practice field. “Scream,” he said.

Haldir stared dumbly at his master for a moment, figuring Faramir was simply warming up for the real flogging. “What? Why should I scream? Elves do not scream.”

Faramir fought back a grin as the belt again cracked loudly against the edge of the bed where the covers were tucked the tightest. “Haven’t you ever been beaten?” his lips twitched. “Let them hear you or they’ll think I’m a weakling,” he added as the third and fourth strokes fell against the bed.

Blue eyes grew wide with understanding, as Haldir finally understood what Faramir was doing. “You mean… you are not… you are not going to punish me?” As he spoke, another slap of the belt rang through the room and the confused Elf stared at his master for a moment, trying to understand him. He didn’t understand why he wasn’t being whipped, but he was certain all the Rangers thought that was exactly what was happening. Apparently, that was what Faramir wanted. He stood by the bed, watching the thin leather crack against the blankets. Reacting out of instinct as the belt came down again, he gave a half-hearted yelp that wasn’t likely to fool anyone, but it was the best he could do at the moment.

Faramir knew the Elf finally realized what was going on when he offered a rather weak yelp. Faramir quirked his eyebrow and grinned at Haldir, almost challenging him with his gaze as he continued to snap the belt against the bed. “Is that the best you can do? Be creative…” he teased almost laughing himself.

Almost against his will, Haldir smiled as well, and moved closer to Faramir, though staying well out of the way of his swinging arm. “That sounds like a challenge… My Lord,” he chuckled. As the belt came down again hard, he waited only a fraction of a second and then screamed loudly. “Is that better?”

Faramir laughed softly when Haldir chuckled. He almost flinched though when the Elf loosed a loud scream and grinned barely able to keep from laughing louder. “Much better, you could add a few promises of obedience in there… swear to worship me on your knees… that sort of thing,” he almost snorted at the look on Haldir’s face. His arm was starting to ache from swinging the belt but now that Haldir was getting into the spirit of things so to speak it was too funny to stop just yet.

Haldir knew Faramir loved it when he touched him without being asked or ordered, and so he decided to make this little performance enjoyable for his master while it served it’s purpose. As he stood there watching Faramir whip the bed, he was feeling something oddly akin to… well, something more than affection, that was for certain. He screamed again as he moved, stopping to stand in front of Faramir, and just a bit over to the side so as not to hinder his arm and the still swinging belt. When Faramir stopped for a moment to rest his arm, Haldir moved closer, lightly kissed the corner of his mouth and wrapped both arms around him. He nibbled on his master’s ear and nuzzled against his neck before turning his head away and loudly swearing to be obedient, apologizing for shaming Faramir. Before the last word was even out his mouth, he was back to his former activity, kissing and licking at the warmth of Faramir’s neck. “Thank you,” he murmured as his hands moved over Faramir’s back as the belt hit the bed again, albeit this time with not quite so much force. “Thank you for treating me so well, even when you do not have to.”

Faramir’s arm finally was aching so much he had to rest it, and part of it may have also had to do with the fact that Haldir had moved close, wrapping his arms around him. Kissing him gently. He switched hands with the belt and wrapped his sore one around Haldir’s waist before taking up swinging the belt again with his rested arm though not his sword arm so the blows sounded weaker. He smiled as Haldir spoke. “I’ve told you, I don’t wish to punish you… ever,” he whispered. He laughed softly when Haldir yelled again, swearing obedience and apologizing. “I think that’s enough,” he said tossing the belt across the room and neither of them flinched when it knocked a heavy book from the night table. His arms were already around the Elf and he was kissing him deeply.

Long Elven fingers worked their way underneath Faramir’s tunic, and Haldir sighed happily as they finally found warm, damp skin. Completely losing himself in the kiss, he pulled his master closer and closed his eyes. Faramir had thrown him over his shoulder and pretended to beat him, and Haldir thought, at the very least, he should resent that, but he found that he couldn’t. He found that a part of him almost wished Faramir really had beat him, so that he could be angry and easier to remind himself that he was nothing more than a slave to the son of the steward. He felt like more than a slave, but of course, that was ridiculous. As they kissed, he thought about the days of slavery he had left – now only a little over 7 months, and for the first time ever felt a stab of sadness. His thoughts were interrupted as they pulled away for air and Haldir rested his head on Faramir’s shoulder. “To you, I will apologize,” he said softly. “He was trying to get me in his bed, and I was simply trying to make it clear that it is YOUR bed I want…” He quickly corrected himself, “I have to be in.”

Faramir’s skin was tingling everywhere Haldir touched him, and their kiss was sweet and passionate. When they finally drew apart he found himself smiling when Haldir said he ‘wanted’ to be in his bed. Even though Haldir corrected his words, he had hope that his first words were the true ones. “In truth I don’t have any idea what occurred, but I am more inclined to believe you over him. Brevir is young, boastful and quite full of himself, I can just imagine what he might have said. I wanted to kill him when I saw his hands on you. He knows the laws, he has no right touching another man’s slave,” he whispered. “Hopefully this will be the end of it… and I’ll make sure he keeps his distance if you wish to come with me to the training field again.” His hands slid down to Haldir’s completely uninjured rear, squeezing and pulling his lover closer. “You will need to act as if you are a bit sore though… and must act suitably subdued if we venture out,” he whispered.

Haldir reached up and took Faramir’s face between his hands, and simply studied his face for a moment. He’d never though his word would be taken over Brevir’s, and though there was little he or Faramir could do about the entire situation now, he felt something inside warm even more toward the man in his arms. He didn’t know what it was he wanted to say, or how to go about even trying to say it. Finally, he had to look away, telling himself that there was nothing to say to his master. Master. He’s your master, not your lover, not your friend. And though he is kind to you, he still has to uphold the laws of his city… you know that. “Aye, I will go with you and act appropriately chastised if you wish for me to,” he whispered, resting their foreheads together. “And I really am sorry I forgot my place back there and embarrassed you.”

“You didn’t embarrass me, in truth it scared me. When he demanded satisfaction I was so afraid I really would have to beat you in front of all of them or give you to the guards for a night and… Gods, as much as I would despise having to actually punish you, the idea of someone else’s hands on you,” he whispered pressing a kiss against Haldir’s forehead. Before either of them could say another word though, there was a soft knock at the door. Faramir sighed. “You stay in here just in case… you certainly don’t look very beaten,” he grinned.

When he opened the door he was relieved it wasn’t one of his men still demanding more punishment for Haldir and tried to look somber as Elreath stood there holding a basket of… Gods, bandages. He almost did laugh then, but the distress in the Elleth’s eyes kept him from it. He stepped back to let her into the room a little. “I don’t think we’ll need the bandages, Elreath,” he said softly though he knew Haldir could hear him in the other room.

The Elleth looked up at him sadly but grateful the loud beating hadn’t broken the skin. “I also brought a salve… if that is all right?” she offered with shaking hands and Faramir smiled then. His hands closed over hers holding out the small jar. “Haldir… I think your friend is worried about you,” he said as he led her toward their bedroom. “You’d honestly be surprised, Elreath. He screams about so very little you know. You’d be amazed how many of those blows didn’t even connect,” he teased and saw her eyes light up when she saw a smiling and perfectly unharmed Haldir standing there. The smile that formed on her lovely face was almost blinding.

Smiling at both Faramir and Elreath, Haldir found that as much as he enjoyed talking to his friend, right now he’d rather spend time alone with Faramir. If ever he transgressed again, and did have to chose between a public flogging and a night with the guards, well, that decision was an easy enough one to make. Shaking his head and stirring from his reverie, he took Elreath’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “He did not hurt me at all, but I think I screamed rather well, did I not?”

When Elreath laughed and gave him an impulsive hug, then turned to hug Faramir, Haldir couldn’t help but laugh himself. “Shall I give Elreath time to tend to my… er… wounds, or would you like to stay here with me and let us walk back down together, Lord Faramir?”

“Seeing how I inflicted such horrible injuries on you, I should stay and take care of you myself… duty and all,” Faramir grinned. “Not a word, Elreath, not even to my brother if he questions.”

Laughing very softly she shook her head and squeezed Faramir’s arm. “You truly have no idea how much like your brother you are, my lord. I’ve been on the receiving end of a ruse much like this once. Do you recall when I ‘accidentally’ dumped that entire jug of ale on that noblewoman at the festival a year ago?” Her eyes sparkled when she saw Faramir remember the event and that his father had ordered her punished and Boromir had said he would handle it.

They spoke for only a few more moments before she left, leaving both her basket of bandages and the salve behind. Turning back from the door, Faramir looked at his slave for a moment. “Are you sure you wish to go back down there? You don’t have to you know.”

Haldir considered for a moment, then took Faramir’s hand. He wasn’t sure why, but at this point, he only wanted to do whatever would make his master look better, even if it meant watching the other Rangers smirk at him for the rest of the day. “Would it look better for you if I went and pretended to be in pain, or if I stayed here, as if I hurt too much to move?”

Faramir smiled as Haldir took his hand and raised it to his lips, brushing a gentle kiss to the back of it. “I don’t know… I’ve not much experience with this but I believe that I recall Elreath came back to the festival that night. Her eyes were red and swollen as if she’d been crying, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it was tears of laughter not pain now,” he grinned. “I suppose you’ll not want to be outdone by an Elleth though.” And almost laughed at the look in Haldir’s eyes.

Knowing that Faramir really didn’t have to give him a choice, Haldir nodded. “Aye… I think I can manage.” He moved closer and tangled their fingers together much as if they were lovers, and equals. “What if he tries again? Brevir, I mean. If he tries to touch me again, do I just… let him? I know masters can give their slaves away for good or for only a few nights, but… Gods, I do not want his hands on me.” He shuddered again and buried shook his head. “I do not want anyone’s hands on me except yours, though I know what I want does not necessarily matter in the great scheme of things.”

“If he approaches you again you come to me, if you cannot, you yell for me. I promise you, NO ONE will be touching you but me. I don’t want anyone’s hands on you except mine either,” Faramir said feeling glad that Haldir wanted his touch and none other. His arms wrapped tightly around Haldir and held him. “And I will never give you away, the only way you will leave me is at the end of the year.” And that I wish I had never offered now.

Feeling unaccountably sad for a moment, Haldir nodded and unconsciously pulled Faramir just a little closer. “Aye. At the end of the year. Seven months to go… and seven months for me to try and stay out of trouble so I do not need to be… ‘punished’… again.” With a sigh he pulled away, not wanting Faramir to see the sadness in his eyes at the thoughts of waking up alone again, of reading alone in his talan, or taking his meals with no one to talk to. “We should go,” he added quickly, before Faramir could question him. “I am sure they are wondering what is taking so long.”

Seven months. Faramir closed his eyes against the pain he felt and nodded. “We should,” he whispered and took Haldir’s hand. “Just remember to wince when you sit,” he teased trying to brighten their somber mood for just a moment. He took a deep breath and tried to look grumpy and as stern faced as he could then and hoped neither of them would end up bursting into a fit of laughter about the whole ‘beating’.

Just before they stepped back outside, Haldir couldn’t resist teasing his master one last time, even though all the Rangers would surely be looking at them. “When we get back to your rooms tonight, I would love to learn more about that getting on my knees and worshiping you part,” he whispered, licking at his lips suggestively and knowing that no one else could hear them. Oh he would pay for that; he was sure, but in a very, very good way.

Faramir had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from either laughing or grabbing Haldir and dragging him back upstairs to test out the whole worshipping him on his knees part too. Instead he shook his head, and led him back to the area surrounding the practice field. Haldir was playing the part wonderfully. Keeping his head down, walking slowly, even offering a little bit of a limp. The field had gone quiet again. Other slaves were giving Haldir pitying looks, and his men were giving him satisfied looks. Except one. Brevir was still angry apparently, and wasted no time marching up to his captain angrily.

“He’s able to walk? Spared him a bit so you could still enjoy him later did you?” Brevir smirked. “That isn’t enough. This Elf insulted me and I still demand satisfaction! And I wish to do it myself, because despite his screams if I had whipped him he’d still be crying in the floor!”

Faramir glared at the man but didn’t know what to say, he’d hoped this would work, prayed it would, he didn’t want to whip Haldir in front of all of these people.

Damrod, who’d witnessed the entire event between Brevir and Faramir’s slave frowned. He was loyal to Faramir and the look in his captain’s eyes seemed worried and almost pained at the thought of having to punish the slave in front of them. He knew what a private person Faramir was, and how he didn’t like to disrespect the slaves. It was surprising the man had even taken one, but the blond was attractive and spirited, and was apparently exactly the type Faramir wanted. Most slaves were achingly obedient but he knew Faramir’s was a bit mouthy and understood that was something his captain probably enjoyed. Begin the steward’s son there weren’t many who would stand against him, at least not intelligent people, and knowing Faramir as he did he was certain the man grew tired of people pandering to him. Brevir was just a very young, very stupid man and Damrod cared little for him. “Captain, I witnessed the exchange, and quite honestly, your slave only tried to do what he could to protect your property. Brevir touched him, several times without permission. I do not keep slaves myself, but I believe that is… against the law is it not? Touching someone else’s property? Isn’t it a higher crime than a slave protecting himself against such advances?”

As Damrod spoke, a red cloud seemed to settle over Faramir’s eyes, he didn’t hear half the words the man spoke other than Brevir touched him more than once. It happened so quickly he found himself surprised later. He released his hold on Haldir’s hand, grabbed Brevir by the throat and lifted the slightly smaller man off the ground, slamming him against the wall. “If you ever touch him, even LOOK at him again I’ll kill you. You are lucky I don’t cut off your hands now for the offense,” he hissed through clenched teeth. It was several moments later when Faramir finally realized what he was doing and Brevir was turning a quite unsettling shade of blue. He dropped the man and stalked back to where he’d left Haldir. “Make sure he stays out of my sight,” he growled to Damrod. That meant Brevir would be sent to Osgiliath where the fighting was the most intense.

Haldir kept his head bowed, but watched the exchange through his lashes, surprised at the fury in Faramir’s voice and feeling oddly happy about it. It was an effort not to smile, though he had to lower his head even more and allow his hair to fall over the sides of his face to keep from letting anyone see that though his lips weren’t turned up in laughter, his eyes were certainly full of it. That Faramir would send one of his own men away for simply touching him made Haldir feel cherished. He knew he wasn’t really, it was probably only a matter of him being Faramir’s property, but he couldn’t deny the fact that their little act from a few minutes before had made him see his entire situation differently. Knowing that too many eyes were back on him after Brevir was taken away, he dared look up just a bit in Faramir’s direction. “Thank you, Lord Faramir,” he said simply, knowing that everyone would believe he was thanking his master for sending the Ranger away. And he was, in fact but also for what happened in Faramir’s chambers, of which no one else could ever know about.

Faramir simply nodded when Haldir thanked him. Everyone was still staring either at him or at Brevir or Haldir. “Get back to work!” he shouted for the rest of them. “I think I have disrupted this day enough,” he said to Damrod. “We will return upstairs, please send me the results of the target trials when they are over.” He hadn’t said a word to Haldir yet, could hardly look at him, Faramir was afraid he would betray himself with his eyes if he did. All of the other rangers would clearly see the tenderness he felt for Haldir and they would be in even more of a mess than before. He took Haldir’s hand, squeezing it gently, and led him back to where they’d come from only a quarter hour before.

As they headed back toward Faramir’s room, Haldir continued limping and moving slowly, but his mind wasn’t on the Men and Elves who were likely looking at him. Instead, he was wondering how he’d managed to end up as slave to the man who was, undoubtedly, the kindest and most compassionate one in all of Gondor. Though he would never be happy about his enforced slavery, he was grateful to Faramir for so much, though the decision he was quickly coming to had less to do with being grateful than it had to give Faramir the one thing that was left for him to either offer or deny. The door closed behind them, and without a word, Haldir leaned back against the wall and pulled Faramir against him. He was filled with a need for his master unlike any he’d known before. Their lips met and he offered his mouth to Faramir as he wondered how he should go about offering his body as well.

They had remained silent even as they had passed into the halls leading to Faramir’s chamber. Haldir was still playing the part, thankfully so, and Faramir walked slowly for his ‘benefit’. But when they entered the room and closed the door, Haldir’s demeanor changed dramatically, as he leaned against the wall and pulled Faramir close. Faramir’s pulse leapt as his slave offered his lips, and he kissed him deeply, his earlier anger at Brevir seeming to make his kiss more passionate. How dare anyone touch, Haldir? And more than once at that! He’d thought at first that Brevir had merely been suggestive and Haldir had told him no, and that had resulted in the man grabbing him. NOT that he’d touched him prior to that. The possessiveness Faramir felt was almost overwhelming, but at the same time there was tenderness as well. He’d tried the last weeks to push away his feelings for the Elf. Tried even to deny it at times that he’d fallen in love with him, tried to ignore it, but it was always there. In the way he looked at Haldir when he was certain no one else would see him, in the way he would touch him at night. He moaned into the kiss when Haldir’s body moved against his own.

Haldir moaned into the kiss as his arousal began to fill and harden. He knew every inch of Faramir’s body, and Faramir knew his as well, except for the one luxury he’d never demanded, though he would have been within his rights if he had. Pulling away from the kiss, he panted for air as he unlaced Faramir’s tunic then his own, but he didn’t let their gazes meet until he’d managed to untie his own breeches and shove them down to the floor. “Faramir, Gods, I want you,” he murmured as he toed off his boots and stepped out of the fabric gathered around his ankles.

Faramir was panting as well when they parted, and found himself entranced as his Elf undressed before him, and then murmured that he wanted him. His arousal, now hard and already starting to leak twitched. Hearing the words that Haldir wanted him it wasn’t false, it wasn’t just said for his benefit, he could tell. “Obviously, I want you too,” he grinned not realizing what all Haldir was offering him. His hands went to his own breeches and then stalled. “Undress me… let me feel your hands and lips on me as you do,” he whispered. His commands were almost always a request with Haldir.

Letting his hands touch every inch of skin possible, Haldir pushed Faramir’s tunic over his shoulders and leaned forward to lick at a peaked nipple. “Yes, my Lord,” he murmured, perfectly content to be told what to do at the moment. He would have never admitted it, but he loved knowing what Faramir wanted, loved being instructed in how to make his master feel as much pleasure as possible. Taking the pebbled skin between his lips, he teased it gently as the tunic finally fell to the floor, then began kissing a slow, wet trail down Faramir’s chest and stomach, stopping to let his tongue delve into his navel before moving lower. Unlacing the dark fabric of his master’s breeches, Haldir pressed his face against his lover’s stomach, loving the way the soft, curly hairs beneath Faramir’s navel felt against his cheek.

Faramir’s breathing was unsteady as his slave whispered and moved down his body. His nipple was teased, forcing Faramir to arch against him, then Haldir’s soft lips traveled lower, tongue and lips teasing him erotically. Faramir’s fingers threaded into soft blond hair, and he tugged just a little getting his lover to look up at him. They remained that way for a moment, simply staring into one another’s eyes until finally Haldir’s gaze drifted down again and he licked at Faramir’s stomach drawing a low moan from the man.

If Haldir had had any doubts whatsoever about what he was about to offer, they were gone as soon as he’d looked into Faramir’s eyes. He didn’t understand what it was he was seeing in his master’s gaze, but he did want this, did want Faramir to make love to him. Faramir had allowed him to hold this one part of himself back, had never asked or demanded, or even mentioned wanting more than they had. Giving himself fully was the only way he could think of to show Faramir that he understood how things were, and how they both wished they could be under other circumstances. Letting his fingers wrap firmly around the hard length before him, Haldir let his lips move slowly over the weeping head, then along the shaft a few times, wetting the organ from root to tip. Before Faramir could begin to thrust however, he pulled away and stood, leaning back against the wall as their gazes met again. “Take me,” he whispered as he watched Faramir’s eyes darken at the softly spoken request.

Faramir moaned softly as Haldir’s lips touched his aching length. How could anyone drive him to such responses was beyond him. In mere moments Haldir had him hard and aching and trembling with need. When Haldir drew away though only after seemingly just teasing him Faramir looked at him as he stood and for a moment it seemed he didn’t understand the words. As they sank in though, his eyes darkened and he leaned forward, kissing Haldir deeply. A part of him simply wanted to lift Haldir into his arms and thrust into him right now, but he had vowed to never hurt the beautiful Elf. He drew back from the kiss, panting again, and glanced around. They were near the doorway still and he looked for something to ease the way. Not finding anything handy he contemplated carrying Haldir to the bed, but Gods he didn’t wish to wait even for that. He was half afraid Haldir might change his mind so he drew back a little. “Lick my fingers,” he whispered. “I don’t wish to hurt you but I don’t think I can wait to find something else to ease the way.”

Breathing heavily, Haldir reached for Faramir’s hand at once and began licking at his first two fingers. Now that he’d made his decision, he didn’t want to wait either, not for a moment longer than necessary. He made quick work of the digits and crooked one leg up on the table next to him, exposing himself completely. Gods, he already ached unlike ever before, and he was certain he’d never felt such a deeply seated, primal need in all his life. “Hurry,” he murmured, bending the leg he was standing on and opening himself even further. “Please, Faramir… move quickly. I need you inside me.”

Fire seemed to race though him as Haldir licked his fingers, and then his words almost undid him completely. His hand dropped between Haldir’s legs and he began to first brush his finger against the tight entrance, circling it once, twice and then dipping inside until he felt resistance. He kissed Haldir then, kissed him deeply, and pressed onward, his finger breeching his lover and pausing each time the muscles gripped him tightly. After only a few moments though, one finger was buried deep, thrusting gently, curling to find that perfect spot inside him. When it did, he felt Haldir’s body react, heard his intake of breath, his moan, and soon his finger was slipping easily inside him and he added the second. Twisting his fingers inside his lover, opening him as quickly but as gently as he could Faramir kissed Haldir’s neck. “I need you,” he murmured before his fingers slipped away. He reached down and spread the leaking fluid on the head of his arousal down the length before moving forward and pressing the head against his lover. He lifted Haldir against the wall a little, and pulled him back down impaling him slowly. “Gods,” he groaned against sweat slick skin.

It had been years since Haldir was taken, and if anyone had told him that he would be here now, willingly, by a man who happened to be his Master, he would have laughed and told them they were insane. But Faramir was no ordinary man, and certainly no ordinary master, and, as his entrance stretched and slowly allowed the thick column of flesh to slip inside him, Haldir could think of nothing, not even his freedom, that could have felt any more perfect. His arms wrapped loosely around Faramir’s neck and his head fell back against the wall as he was filled so completely. The slight ache was quick to fade, and in almost not time at all, he’d wound his other leg around Faramir’s waist, kissing his lover again and rocking his hips, practically the only movements he could make considering he had almost no leverage.

Faramir breathed heavily as he waited for the muscles clamped around him to relax enough to move, when they did, he began to move, loving that Haldir was rocking against him and kissing him so passionately. His hands gripped his lover’s hips and he thrust up into the willing body surrounding him. The angle was somewhat awkward against the wall, he couldn’t get his arms around Haldir well enough it seemed, so with one hand he reached over and brushed everything lying on the table beside them onto the floor and carried Haldir over to it, setting him on the edge, and thrusting even deeper inside him at that angle. “Oh Gods,” he whispered. “So tight… so perfect.”

Murmuring almost incoherently in every language he knew, Haldir let himself be taken, holding nothing back. They’d needed each other, before, but this seemed different somehow, though the tiny, rational part of his mind told him it was just because this was their first time together like this. He tilted his hips and met his lover thrust for thrust, arching his head back and pulling Faramir’s mouth against his neck, wanting to be marked both inside and out by this man who was his master. Judging by the way Faramir was thrusting so hard and deeply inside him, neither of them was going to last long. His hand slid down between his legs and he moaned as he touched himself, stroking his now almost painfully hard arousal in time with their movements and crying out his lover’s name each time his sweet spot was slammed into.

Faramir smiled against Haldir’s neck when he pulled him close, before his lips sealed against the warm slick skin and he began marking him, sucking hard and soothing with his tongue. When Haldir moaned though, Faramir’s hand released his hip, now that the table was supporting his lover, and pushed his lover’s hand away. “No,” he murmured against his neck. “Let me.” His own hand began stroking his lover in time with his deep fast thrusts into him. His hand was slick with fluid within moments and slid easily along the hard length. Feeling his release building quickly, Faramir buried his face against Haldir’s neck and moaned loudly when his balls drew up tight against him. Only seconds later he spilled hot and slick inside his lover for the first time and Gods it was more perfect than he’d ever imagined. He was breathless but still he continued to thrust as the tight muscles milked him of every last drop of his release.

Gasping as his hand was pushed away and Faramir’s took over, Haldir almost came in that moment alone. He struggled to control himself, and actually managed for a few moments before he suddenly felt his lover spill inside him. The sensation made his arousal jerk violently in Faramir’s hand and his entire body spasmed around the hard flesh inside him. His release slammed into him, and he came hard, painting his lover’s hand and both their stomachs and chests. He didn’t even realize he was calling out Faramir’s name quite loudly until he’d done so several times, but at that point was too boneless and relaxed to even care. Leaning forward, he rested against his master’s body, breathing heavily and trembling in the aftermath of his orgasm.

Faramir leaned back just enough that when Haldir’s orgasm hit he was able to watch the beautiful face contort in ecstasy. It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, and hearing his name called out that way seemed to make his entire body fill with even more warmth. Though he realized Haldir’s cries were probably heard downstairs and he began to grin. “They are going to think me a true monster you know… beating you till you scream and now making you scream my name,” he teased. “I’ll have a horrible reputation.” He really wasn’t annoyed in the least though.

Haldir smiled at his lover and brushed a damp lock of hair from his temple. “I think we should work on that horrible reputation quite often,” he retorted. “This wasn’t a one-time offer, you know.” He nuzzled against Faramir’s neck, still smiling and feeling deliciously satiated. “Gods, now I am wondering why it took me this long.”

Faramir laughed softly and pressed a kiss against Haldir’s hand as it lingered after brushing his hair away. “You… you didn’t do this because… well… of gratitude did you? I’m not complaining but… well,” he looked down feeling his face flush. “All I ever want is for you to want me for… me… not for any other reason. It’s… it’s why I’ve not… been demanding of you,” he whispered. It seemed an odd conversation to have with himself still half hard and buried deep inside his lover and started to draw back.

Tightening his legs around Faramir’s waist, Haldir forgot his place for the moment and refused to let him pull away. “I am thankful for all you have done – and not done – for me,” he said softly, tilting his head forward until their eyes could meet again. “But that was not why I wanted this. As much as I have tried to convince myself otherwise, it is you I want. I cannot say I will ever be comfortable with the whole master/slave issue but it is not my master I want ~ it is the Man I cannot seem to get enough of, despite myself.” As he spoke, he contracted his inner muscles around Faramir’s still substantial length and moaned softly, as if to emphasize his words.

Faramir swallowed hard as Haldir spoke. Hearing that he wanted him was the best thing he thought he could possibly hear. He might have answered Haldir, might have told him any number of things, but in that moment his lover moved, and his still partially hard length throbbed within tight heat. “Gods, what you do to me… I’ve never wanted anyone so much as you, Haldir,” he whispered kissing him sweetly. He pulled Haldir closer, lifted his lover into his arms, and carried him to the bed even while he was still buried deep inside him.

Haldir simply clung to his lover with both arms and legs, and nuzzled against his neck as they moved. “Gods, I sometimes wish I did not want… and need you this much but I cannot seem to help it,” he murmured. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered what he was going to do when his year was up, and he was freed. Hopefully, he thought, he would be over his near-obsession with the man who was known all over Gondor as his master. The trouble was, he had a sneaking suspicion that he wouldn’t be by any stretch of the imagination. He was laid down as carefully as if he were made of the most fragile glass and smiled up at Faramir for treating him so gently, as he suspected he would be sore for a few days from their earlier frantic activities. “More, Faramir,” he whispered against his lover’s ear. “I want more…”

Faramir shivered as Haldir spoke. I wish I could give you so much more than just this. He shifted his hips a little and smiled at the quick intake of breath he was rewarded with. Quickly growing to full hardness again, Faramir let his hands roam over his lover as he shifted his hips slowly. His lips found Haldir’s again and they kissed much more gently than they had earlier.

Letting his hands roam over Faramir’s back and arms, Haldir sighed into the kiss and let his eyes fall shut. They were moving slowly and sensuously, as if they had all the time in the world, and as right as their earlier coupling had seemed, this was even better. Each movement was deliberate and unhurried, and each time Faramir thrust inside him, Haldir grew a bit harder. Gods, he could lie here like this for hours, feeling Faramir moving inside him, kissing him so tenderly, and treating him as if they were long-time lovers instead of master and slave. “Gods, Faramir,” he whispered when they pulled away for air. His entire brain felt foggy from the sheer pleasure of the moment, and he didn’t even bother trying to consider his words before they fell from his lips. “Please, do not stop… do not ever stop…”

Faramir’s breath caught in his chest as Haldir spoke to him as if they were lovers. The entire day had been so strange; the fear when he thought the other Rangers would demand he punish Haldir publicly, then later the hilarity of pretending to beat Haldir for their benefit, and then his anger at Brevir… and now this. Haldir offered himself and they’d needed one another so badly it had been so very frantic, but now… now they were, for Faramir’s part at least, making love. He moved slowly, drawing his hips back until he was almost free of his lover’s body and then sank forward again, each stroke building the fire of desire inside him. His lips and hands worshipped the Elf beneath him, caressing from shoulder to hand, from side to hip and upper thigh and back. His lips teased at Haldir’s neck, sucking and marking him gently alongside the earlier marks. “I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you,” he admitted.

Haldir moaned softly and tilted his head back, for the first time craving the marks on his skin that proclaimed him owned by another. “Neither have I,” he whispered. “In all my long years, I do not think I have ever craved anyone as much as I crave every single part of you… your lips, your mouth, your hands, your body…” Gods, I wish our circumstances could be different. I wish I’d known you as anything other than your slave.

Faramir hoped Haldir’s words were true, he could see no falseness in his eyes, but a part of him worried that he was only speaking the words out of the desire to be a good slave. That is what worried him the most, that all of this, all of the times they had shared such passion and desire was all part of their roles. That when the time came for Haldir’s release from their agreement, he will simply walk away without a backwards glance. Even so, Faramir couldn’t stop himself from loving him. His lips settled over his slave’s, kissing him tenderly and they began to move together even faster. Each thrust, each sensual movement driving them both closer to completion yet again.

As their gazes met, Haldir could see some worry in Faramir’s lust-darkened blue eyes, but he told himself that he shouldn’t concern himself with it… he was a pleasure slave, not a counselor, or a friend, though sometimes he truly felt like one. Arching up off the bed, he decided to stop thinking, and just live in the moment, however, and met his lover thrust for thrust as he felt the heat in the center of his groin building. He didn’t want to touch himself, not yet, preferring, for some unimaginable reason, to wait and watch Faramir come first. “Do not hold back,” he whispered as he looked down between his legs and watched the red and swollen flesh plunging inside him again. His cock twitched at the sight, yet moments later he looked up and concentrated on Faramir’s face. “Come for me, Faramir… let me feel you.”

Faramir was shaking as he tried to hold back, tried to wait and draw this moment out as long as he could. When Haldir spoke though, whispered to him breathlessly, he couldn’t hold back anymore. His pace increased even more then, delving deep into his lover as he moved, brushing against that perfect spot within his partner. With only a few more deep thrusts he could no longer control it, the heat inside him seemed to spread out and he shouted Haldir’s name as he thrust deeply one last time and spilled within the gripping heat.

The look on Faramir’s face as he came for the second time was incredible, and Haldir could only watch in wonder as his body welcomed his lover’s release deep inside. He was beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and despite his own need, he couldn’t seem to move or look away long enough to even touch himself. He simply stared unabashedly for long moments, until the last of his lover’s orgasm left him. He was so close already, that one squeeze of his inner muscles and one arch of his hips that caused his erection to slide up against Faramir’s lower stomach was all it took for him to spill as well. He laid panting and trembling, then reached up and pulled Faramir down on top of him, completely ignoring the mess between them. He didn’t hold him because he had to, but simply because there was nothing else on all of Arda he wished to do.

Faramir was still trembling when Haldir arched against him, and he found himself amazed, lost in his lover as he spilled between them from just the friction of their bodies alone. When Haldir pulled him down and wrapped his arms around him, Faramir did the same, sliding his arms beneath his lover and holding him close. They were covered in sweat and slick release between them, but he didn’t wish to move. Faramir buried his face against his lover’s neck, breathing heavily. He didn’t know what to say so he simply remained silent. After a few minutes passed his now spent arousal slipped from inside his lover and he groaned softly and moved to lie beside Haldir. His hand slid down his lover’s chest and laughed softly about the slick mess he found there. “We are a mess,” he commented with a grin but then drew his hand up to lick at the cooling fluid on his fingertips.

Haldir’s already pale skin turned paler as Faramir brought his come-covered fingers to his lips and he let out a low moan. “Gods, you are going to kill me,” he murmured. He turned and practically wrapped himself around his lover, sighing contentedly. “How about we take a nap then a bath… together?” It really wasn’t his place to suggest such a thing, but they were alone, and it seemed like a very, very good idea at the moment.

Faramir laughed softly at Haldir’s reaction and pulled him close when he was covered with a very relaxed Elf. “I think those sound like lovely ideas,” he whispered softly. “And… thank you for this… whatever brought you to offer this… thank you. I would never have demanded it, though I did want you,” his words were spoken softly and he pressed a soft against Haldir’s golden hair.

Smiling as he listened to Faramir’s heartbeat begin to slow, Haldir nodded. “I know you would not have. It would have been your right to demand that I give you permission… and I would have. It is amazing how easy the decision was tonight – probably because you never had demanded.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir spoke and sighed softly. “Don’t think I didn’t want to a few thousand times,” he grinned. “Let’s rest now and we can have a bath then a late dinner.” He shifted so that a pillow was more comfortable beneath his head, and pulled Haldir close to snuggle against him.

Haldir nodded, then leaned up and gave Faramir a chaste kiss on the cheek before resting back against him. “Sleep well, my Lord,” he whispered, not even realizing he’d slipped back into the formal address they had to adopt outside these rooms. Before he realized it though, he was sound asleep, with a peaceful smile on his face.

Before Faramir could correct his slave, he heard soft snoring and simply smiled. “What am I going to do when you leave?” he sighed. He decided to make the best of the time they had from this moment forward. There were still almost seven entire months before the end of the agreement. Not long enough. Forever couldn’t be long enough.

Chapter 7

The next morning Faramir slipped from the bed earlier than normal. His mind was so caught up in the events from the day before he was unable to sleep. It could have gone so badly. He might have had to actually punish Haldir and he wasn’t sure he could do it if it came to that. It hadn’t, but it would have been so easy for it to have happened differently. If Damrod hadn’t spoken up… if Brevir had been of higher rank… so many things. He was sitting on the small couch in the other room when he heard a soft knock.

“Boromir?” he asked surprised his brother was there at such an early hour. “Is something wrong?”

“No, I have some things to take care of today and wasn’t sure when I might see you. I… I heard what happened yesterday,” he said as Faramir let him into the room. “I wanted to hear from you what went on rather than rumors.”

Sighing, Faramir invited his brother to sit down and began to explain what happened with Brevir. Even Boromir was shocked at the young ranger’s audacity and said he’d have handled it much the same way. Including the ‘punishment’ which Elreath told him was the same as her own had been after the festival. Faramir smiled about that.

“Sometimes we are too alike I guess,” he grinned.

“Not in all things. I… frankly, I’m surprised you even have a slave. You were always so against it. Always speaking on behalf of them, defending slaves to our father and others… you realize you, well I hate to say it but you look like a hypocrite now.”

Faramir listened silently and nodded in agreement. “I know. Don’t think I haven’t thought about this every single day since claiming Haldir. I… I can’t explain it. I wish I could, brother, but I can’t. I saw him and in that moment, every ideal I seemed to have seemed to disappear under the weight of wanting him.”

Boromir nodded understanding such desire. Elreath was not a pleasure slave, she was to only be a house servant, but he’d been so taken with the beautiful Elleth that he’d pursued her, much to his father’s dismay. He had not taken another pleasure slave since he’d met the Elleth. They did not share quarters as Faramir did with Haldir, but it didn’t seem to matter. She was his and once several years ago he had offered her freedom and she had said no. She did not wish to leave Gondor, to leave him, and had chosen instead to stay as a servant to the household. None understood it, but as far as Boromir was concerned when it came to his home and his affairs, Elreath was the closest thing to a true partner he would probably ever have. He was as the oldest son already promised to marry a prominent nobles daughter but he knew he would never care for them the way he did Elreath. He wanted to ask Faramir if he was in love with Haldir, a part of him suspected his little brother suffered the same fate he had. Falling in love with the one person he could never openly express his feelings for but refrained from it. He was horrible at such discussions and didn’t want Faramir to feel as if he were accusing him of being a traitor to their people as many who fell in love with Elves were accused.

“Is he yours forever then?” Boromir asked curiously.

Faramir looked down at his hands. “No. Stupidly I suppose, I agreed to let him have his freedom after one year and one day,” he half grinned when he looked up. “It seemed the easiest thing to do to keep him from growling at me so much that first day.”

Boromir smiled at the memory of the other men talking about how spirited Haldir had been when they’d captured him. “I see. And you’ll honor it?”

“Of course I’ll honor it!” Faramir blurted out and then lowered his voice. “Even if I don’t want to, yes, I’ll honor it. I made a promise to him and I’ll not go back on my word.”

Boromir nodded. “I suppose you should make the best of the time you have with him then.”

Faramir’s eyes darkened and he nodded. “Yes. I’d like to think we aren’t wasting many moments,” he smiled slightly and Boromir laughed.

“I don’t need details… though if you ever need ideas,” he teased as he stood up. “I’ve a bit more experience with slaves than you.”

“I think I can manage,” Faramir said slightly embarrassed at the idea of asking his older brother for ‘ideas’.

Boromir laughed and shook his head. “Ah, I can still manage to make you blush… makes me proud,” he teased as he walked to the door. “You should keep him away from the practice arena for a few days… give the men time to think of new gossip.”

Faramir walked with his brother to the door. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Haldir slowly turned the page of his book and settled more comfortably on the couch in Faramir’s room. He couldn’t help but wince slightly, even as he smiled at the ache in his backside. Since he’d first given himself to Faramir, neither of them had been able to get enough of each other, though that wasn’t too terribly different from the months before, when Haldir had been allowed to take Faramir. It was the best kind of ache, though, as far as he was concerned, and if Faramir were to walk in right now and give him half a notion that he wanted him again, then Haldir would be more than willing. With the smile still playing on his lips, his thoughts were on his master, even as he read his book and he couldn’t help but daydream about when Faramir would return from his errands.

The day had been long and tiring. Dealing with his father’s council always was a chore and he hated listening to the old boring men argue about the same things for hours. Of course his father had conveniently given the task to him, and stayed in his own room with Melvir and Boromir had been gone as well. He’d been taking care of trading for more horses and so it left Faramir to deal with the council alone. He was grateful that his father allowed him such important duties, but at the same time hated doing it.

It was evening by the time he was heading back to his room he shared with Haldir and when he opened the door, he smiled as he saw the Elf settled on the couch reading. Haldir was engrossed in either the book or his thoughts and hadn’t looked up yet, so Faramir simply stood near the doorway watching him. Gods, he was beautiful. It seemed each and every day his beauty grew in Faramir’s eyes.

The last week since Haldir had offered himself had been wonderful, but the Elf seemed to sometimes hold back a question. As if he wanted to know what Faramir wanted him to do. Watching him for another moment, Faramir wondered if Haldir would balk or if he actually would follow an order from him? He’d never imposed his right as master on Haldir really. At times yes, but not often at all and most of the time his words came as a request than an order.

Clearing his throat he smiled as Haldir looked up at him, and when the Elf started to stand he shook his head. “Don’t get up. Just let me look at you,” he said after Haldir gave him an odd look.

Wondering why Faramir would want to just look at him, Haldir nevertheless stayed silent. He’d tried to please Faramir, even in the privacy of Faramir’s bedchambers, when he could speak or mostly act rather freely, but he wasn’t always sure he’d succeeded. He knew he talked back too much, but on the few occasions Faramir told him what he wanted, Haldir had more than happily acquiesced, thankful to learn how to better please him. Without saying a word, Haldir smiled at his master, and nodded, then licked at his lips, hoping to entice him, though he looked a bit tired from his long day at work.

Faramir grinned when Haldir licked his lips and his mind struck on an idea. Something he’d actually wanted since the first moment he’d laid eyes on the beautiful Elf but never had commanded him to do. He’d been careful with Haldir, wanting above all for him to trust him. There wasn’t any way Faramir could have gained pleasure from his slave if he felt that the Elf feared him even a little bit so he’d held back. But this… really what he wanted now wasn’t anything that anyone should fear. Perhaps be a little embarrassed by but Gods, how could one be embarrassed when their partner wanted them so much? So he took a chance, it was likely Haldir would talk back, and if the Elf seemed like he was displeased with the idea, Faramir knew he wouldn’t continue it. “Now. Stand up, and take your tunic off,” he ordered though his words were not spoken unkindly.

Haldir raised an eyebrow and his smile grew wider, though he knew to even smile at all was rather cheeky. He wasn’t sure if Faramir was serious, but, Gods, he hoped so. He was loath to admit it, but deep down, he knew that being told what to do and how to do it was rather erotic… and exciting. He’d never told Faramir that of course, but since Faramir had never even seemed to want to order him around, he didn’t think it would matter anyway. He stood and began removing his tunic, but couldn’t resist teasing a bit to try and see just how serious his master was. He hoped he was very serious. “It’s a bit chilly to be running around without a tunic,” he retorted. “Are you taking yours off too, or am I just going to prancing around half naked all by myself?”

Faramir laughed softly and crossed his arms over his chest. He leaned back against the wall and shook his head even as he watched pale skin being revealed for him. “Ah but you won’t be only half naked,” he grinned. “Take off your breeches as well… but do it slowly.” His grin widened as Haldir looked up at him. “I promise you won’t freeze.”

A tingle of excitement raced through Haldir’s body as Faramir spoke. He wasn’t sure what had changed, but despite Faramir’s easy grin, he seemed serious on having his slave obey him. And oddly enough, that was just fine with Haldir, at least for the moment. “Yes, my Lord,” he said, trying his best to keep a straight face even as he began to become aroused. He unlaced the thin leather covering his sex, completely unsurprised that he was already getting half hard from the few words Faramir had spoken. Slowly, he worked the dark fabric down his hips and his upper thighs, his eyes on Faramir and his breathing becoming harder by the second.

Faramir could feel himself growing hard as each inch of pale skin was revealed. Haldir was exquisite and he licked his lips. He knew what that skin tasted like, knew every little place on Haldir’s body it seemed, but he was more than willing to do much more exploration, though not yet. When Haldir was completely nude before him, he smiled as he saw that this was arousing Haldir as well. “Take your hair down too…” he said referring to the warrior braids and smiled as his command was followed. The golden combs set aside on the small table, and Haldir’s hair cascaded down around his shoulders. “Now, touch yourself,” he said softly.

Again, Haldir licked his lips and felt his heart beat quicken. Long, golden hair fell around his shoulders and he didn’t bother pushing it back, knowing Faramir loved to see it in disarray after they’d been intimate. He felt a bit… exposed, but if this was what Faramir wanted, or needed, he was glad to finally know as much. Reaching down with both hands, he cupped his testicles with the right and slowly began stroking himself with the left, his eyes never leaving his master’s. “Like this?” he asked softly, shivering as his flesh filled and lengthened in his hand.

Faramir swallowed hard and licked his lips. “Yes,” he whispered. “I want to watch you pleasure yourself,” he answered after a moment. He watched as Haldir’s hands moved over the ever-hardening flesh and though a part of him wished it were his hands touching Haldir, it was incredibly erotic just to watch. He had to fight the urge to allow his hands to drop to his own hard length, but he wanted to wait. After several minutes he could see fluid glisten at the tip of Haldir’s arousal and he grinned. “Taste yourself,” he whispered huskily.

Haldir’s eyes darkened at once, but he slid his thumb over the now leaking tip of his arousal and gathered the fluid seeping out. “I’d rather have your hands on me you know,” he murmured. He nevertheless lifted his fingertips to his lips and licked at them, moaning at the taste of himself, something he’d rarely tasted before except in Faramir’s kisses after he’d taken him in his mouth. “But I am always happy to know what turns you on.” Without waiting to be told, he reached down and gathered another drop, then licked it away as well. He dared to look down and see that there was a distinct bulge in Faramir’s breeches, and couldn’t help but feel pleased.

Watching as Haldir’s tongue licked at his fingers, Faramir felt himself throb within the confines of his breeches. Gods, he’d not be able to watch this much more before he’d turn into a mindless beggar himself, begging Haldir to touch him. He watched as Haldir continued to stroke himself, and every few moments draw his fingers up to lick them. He finally moved away from the wall and closer to the object of his desire. “Get on your knees,” he said softly as his eyes roamed freely over Haldir’s body.

Haldir swallowed back the lump in his throat and felt his mouth begin to water as Faramir came closer. “Yes, my Lord,” he said softly, not wanting to mess this up with any rude comments. Not yet, anyway, not until he (hopefully) had his master’s flesh in his mouth and could mix the taste of the clear fluid that was now staining the front of his breeches with the taste that was still on Haldir’s own tongue. His hands kept moving over himself as he knelt down on his knees and watched Faramir, not even realizing he was holding his breath.

Faramir didn’t allow himself to touch Haldir yet, simply stood with his hands clenched at his sides as the golden Elf knelt so submissively before him. “Unfasten my breeches,” he whispered. “But you may not touch me yet.” He almost bit off his own tongue for that order but wanted to see how Haldir would react to it. Did the Elf really want this after all?

“You are trying to see how far I can go before you make me die of lust, are you? not” Haldir muttered under his breath, though he’d just vowed not to spoil the moment. “Naturally you order me to do the one thing I want to do most…” As he spoke, he rested one hand on each of Faramir’s hips, hoping that the rule of speaking freely in this room still applied even when he was being given orders. Looking up through his lashes at his master’s face, he caught the end of one lace from Faramir’s breeches between his teeth and pulled at it, then continued loosening each loop as gracefully as he could using only his teeth.

Faramir felt relief wash through him, along with even more desire as Haldir grumbled about not being able to touch him. He bit back a grin but after a moment he moaned softly as he watched his slave use his teeth to tug away the tight laces of his breeches. Once they were open, and cool air met his skin he sighed and watched as his arousal leapt forward as if straining on it’s own for the wet heat of Haldir’s mouth. His fingernails were digging into his palms at his sides. “Now, you may touch me,” he whispered.

It didn’t even occur to Haldir to hesitate. Before the last word was out of Faramir’s mouth, the Elf was moving forward and letting his lips sink down around the thick length before him. A single drop of fluid from the tip spread over his lips as he moved forward, then another, larger drop coated the back of his tongue. He took Faramir in deep, swallowed around him, and sucked hard, wanting his desire to be clearly seen… and felt.

When Haldir didn’t hesitate, simply took him in, sending Faramir almost over the edge just with that alone, he finally allowed his hands to touch. They slid into soft hair, unimpeded by the warrior braids Haldir normally wore, just slipping into soft silk as his entire body seemed to ignite. He was breathing heavily, and spoke softly. “Touch yourself too…”

Haldir nodded, without withdrawing from his task. Keeping one hand on his master’s hip, the other snaked back down between his legs and began tugging on his cock. A low moan caused his throat and mouth to vibrate around the column of flesh in his mouth, but he didn’t pull away. He set a slow rhythm with both his mouth and his hand, letting Faramir’s fingers tangle in his hair to guide him.

Gasping and moaning softly from the sound and feel of Haldir’s moan, Faramir’s fingers tightened in Haldir’s hair but not enough to hurt him, perhaps more to ground them both. Once he was nearly at the edge again though, he could feel Haldir’s body trembling so near his own, could hear him breathing, and knew they were both close to losing control. He tugged on Haldir’s hair and finally when the Elf looked up at him, and moved back, Faramir almost whimpered from the loss, but urged him to stand. He kissed him deeply then stepping back until he sat down in a chair, pulled Haldir down with him. They’d made love that morning, Faramir had taken Haldir as he lay beside him and he hoped he were still slick and open for him. His fingers moved between his slave’s legs even as their mouths stayed sealed together and pressed into him. Just as he suspected the muscle gave easily and was still slick. Without breaking their kiss he lifted Haldir in his lap and pulled him down onto his aching arousal. Their mutual cries were lost in one another’s mouths.

Faramir filled him so completely, Haldir was sure he would never have a lover more suited to him in all his life. “Oh, Gods, Faramir,” he murmured, pulling away from the kiss breathlessly as the thick organ pierced him to his very core. He worked his hips, moving slowly up and down the rigid length as their mouths met again, and he whimpered with pleasure each time the head of Faramir’s cock brushed over his sweet spot. The muscles in his inner thighs were tight as his legs straddled his lover’s, but he spread them even more, tightening his grip on the flesh inside him. Pulling away again, he tried to catch his breath enough to speak. “May I touch myself again my Lord?”

Hearing his name murmured so breathlessly, made his pulse leap even faster and Faramir moved faster, thrusting up into his lover, even as Haldir pushed down as if trying to drive his length even further inside. “Gods,” he murmured as he watched Haldir, his face was lit with such obvious pleasure that it was breathtaking. Though he startled at the question and shook his head. “No… not yet,” he whispered wrapped his own hand tight around HAldir’s shaft, making sure he couldn’t come yet. He thrust faster, grunting with the effort until he finally exploded inside his lover with such force his vision dimmed for a moment. “Gods, Haldir,” he moaned loudly, and after only a few deep breath’s, he lifted his lover and lay him down on the soft rug. He whimpered as he slid from inside the gripping heat. Faramir kissed his way down the sweat slick skin, until he reached where his hand still held Haldir’s arousal tightly. Quickly he took him into his mouth, and felt his heart dance in his chest from the way Haldir moaned.

Haldir was almost mad with need and frustration as Faramir’s fist wrapped around him, but didn’t even attempt to stroke him, though he was momentarily distracted as for the second time that day he was filled with the heat of his lover’s release pulsing inside him. That alone almost sent him over the edge, but in no time at all, Faramir was slipping from inside him, and Haldir could feel a slick trail of fluid leaking out of his well-used opening as well. Before he could protest at the emptiness and beg to be allowed to come, Faramir’s mouth was on him and he could no longer even think, let alone talk. Though he tried not to, he began to thrust erratically into the warm confines of his master’s mouth. His fingers tangled in long, dark hair and he managed to murmur a warning before he came hard, filling Faramir’s mouth and throat again and again in an orgasm that seemed to go on forever.

Faramir took all that Haldir had to offer, allowing him to thrust into his mouth even as his orgasm took him. He could feel the force of it hitting the back of his throat, could feel the muscles trembling beneath him and swallowed every drop. He could taste both himself and Haldir mixed on his tongue and it seemed to make the moment even more perfect for him. He drew away breathlessly, and licked at the tip of the spent arousal. He was panting heavily and collapsed beside Haldir on the rug. “Are… are you all right?” he asked after realizing he’d been less than gentle when taking Haldir, and remembering just how often he’d taken his lover since he’d been granted that.

Haldir crooked one leg possessively over Faramir’s thighs and sighed happily. “All right? I am more than all right. I am exhausted and just had one of the most erotic experiences in my life, not to mention I finally have an idea of what you like, so I can really pleasure you even more in the months to come…” He yawned again, and looked quite satisfied with himself. “So, yes, my Lord, I am quite all right.”

Faramir leaned up on his elbow and watched as he saw just how satisfied and happy the Elf looked. And… tired, and they were both quite sticky with semen and sweat. Faramir pressed an impulsive kiss against smiling lips and sat up. Before Haldir could move though, he scooped him into his arms and carried him to the bath. “I’m pleased. You realize… I would never tell you to do anything that would bring you harm don’t you?” he asked as he sat down on the edge of the bath, holding Haldir in his lap as he turned on the water.

Snuggling closer against Faramir’s warmth, Haldir draped both arms around him and relaxed. “I know,” he said softly. “Honestly, I loved you telling me what to do. I have been trying so hard to figure out what you like and do not like, and it was driving me crazy that you never just told me what you wanted. I… was worried that I might be doing something wrong, and you would end up wanting a real pleasure slave that could be better at his job that I am.”

Faramir was surprised as Haldir spoke of wanting to be a ‘good slave’ it… seemed so strange after the way things had began with them. “I don’t want anyone else, you are my first slave, and likely the only one I’ll ever have,” Faramir admitted as the water filled the tub. He was still mostly dressed so he sat Haldir in the tub as he began to undress, and then slid into the warm water with his lover. “I just didn’t want to frighten you at first, with orders and commands and… Gods, the only thing I’ve ever wanted was for you to want me in return. I cannot find pleasure with one who fears me like some do… does that make sense?”

The only one you’ll ever have? The words rang in Haldir’s ears as he wondered why Faramir felt that way, but he couldn’t say he wasn’t a bit pleased at the thought that he was the one Faramir had chosen to be his first slave. “It does,” he soothed, letting his fingers run through Faramir’s hair and rubbing the back of his neck. “I did not want to be here, you know that, but I do want to please you. I am frightened at what they,” he gestured toward the city around them in general, “might make you do, but I am not afraid of you. Even if you do have to really punish me, I will know it’s not something you will have wanted to do, Faramir. If nothing else, I do think I know you well enough to be sure of that.”

Faramir nodded somberly and caught Haldir’s hand pulling it to his lips. “No. It wouldn’t be what I wanted. I do not find pleasure in hurting another. A few minor things though,” he teased nipping at Haldir’s fingertips just enough to cause a slight sting. “That I don’t mind if it is to lead to true pleasure but to beat someone until they are bloodied and call it ‘pleasure’ I just… .I cannot do that. Perhaps I am a weaker man for it but it just isn’t my nature.”

Haldir pressed his lips to Faramir’s neck, sucking lightly at the skin there even as his body reacted to the light nips on his fingertips. “I quite like your nature,” he admitted. “Very, very much in fact.”

Faramir laughed as Haldir licked his skin. “And I like yours… but you know that already I think,” he teased pulling him closer. “They will be bringing dinner soon, perhaps we can eat and then read together in front of the fire tonight?” he asked, leaving the offer up to Haldir.

“I would love to,” Haldir said softly, resting his head against Faramir’s shoulder and smiling happily. “You have the best ideas on all of Arda… and I am not just saying that because I am expected to.”

Faramir smiled and pressed a kiss against Haldir’s temple. I wish you’d do something else unexpected, and fall in love with me so you won’t leave me in six months. Faramir blinked away the sad thoughts and set about trying to wash his lover without getting them both aroused again. Of course it didn’t work, but this time he didn’t take Haldir, instead he offered himself, something he hadn’t done in a few days. By the time they finally made it to their dinner that had been brought it was cold, and they were too exhausted to read. They simply curled up on the rug before the hearth and talked for hours, something Faramir was sure other masters didn’t do with their slaves.

Chapter 8

Haldir was muttering to himself as he navigated the hallways he now knew almost as well as Men who’d spent their entire lives at the Citadel. The route from the library to Faramir’s room was now quite familiar, and he could traverse it with his eyes closed… which was exactly what he was doing for all intents and purposes, as he was behind a double armload of books stacked higher than his head. He’d lost track of time, and was, most likely, going to be late for dinner with Faramir. But there were as many books for Faramir as for himself, so he was fairly certain his master wouldn’t mind at all. The books were new, and Haldir was sure Faramir would enjoy them, so he was moving quickly, excited that Faramir had the afternoon free and they could relax and read before the fireplace. There were several open hallways on each side of him, and he tried to stay close to the walls and out of everyone’s way, but more than once in his haste he’d almost dropped one of the uppermost books down a flight of stairs or out an open window.

Denethor was engrossed in his thoughts about the earlier council meeting and glancing at his notes when he turned the corner and ran into someone coming up from the library. They were in one of the connecting corridors that had several staircases leading into and out of it and before he knew it, whomever he’d bumped into had dropped several books and went tumbling down the opposite staircase. Denethor stopped for only a moment. He saw long pale golden hair and blanched realizing which of the slaves it probably was. He didn’t go to check to see if the crumpled being on the landing below was alive or not though. A slave simply wasn’t worth his time. Denethor simply glared at it and shook his head. “Stupid slave,” he muttered thinking the slave shouldn’t have even been out of his room, but Faramir was too easy on the Elf. So he simply continued on his way. He knew his son liked that one though, the man frowned then. That one was the first he’d ever claimed so on his way he mentioned to a guard to pass that way on their rounds. He never considered checking on the Elf’s welfare himself. It was beneath him to do such a thing and if the Elf was terribly hurt or dead, Faramir could always find another. There had been many golden Elves taken in the last few months. Surely he could find a replacement for that one easily enough.

Haldir’s books went flying in every direction as he suddenly felt the all-too-solid presence of someone in front of him. With a total and utter lack of gracefulness that was completely unlike him, he bounced head over heels down the stairway, landing solidly on his side, his shoulder, his lower back, and then, finally, hitting the back of his head on the floor a few feet in front of the last step. He had just enough time to think that he hurt everywhere before the ache in the back of his head seemed to make everything around him fall in and out of focus for a moment, then everything went completely dark and silent. Now I’ll be even later…

When the steward told him to make a pass through such a little used stairway, Drevin was curious but didn’t question. He’d learned long ago not to question an order, to simply follow it. But as he approached he found books scattered across the floor before he looked down the stairs and saw the crumpled body there. “Gods,” he muttered as he took the steps two at a time. When he saw it was an Elven slave though he paused and wondered what he should do. Just touching someone else’s property even to help them could be punishable depending on the master. As he stared at the Elf though he thought for a moment he recognized him. Lord Faramir’s slave? He pursed his lips and then ran back up the steps, kicking the books aside and went to find a higher ranking guard.

Faramir was standing on the practice field with Damrod when one of the citadel guards walked up quickly. “Lord Faramir? There has been an accident, your… slave has fallen,” the man began and Faramir was already moving.

“Is he all right?” He asked, as fear gripped him imagining all sorts of scenarios, none very comforting.

“He’s… well he isn’t conscious, probably hit his head,” the guard said, hard pressed to keep up with the young man who was practically running. The guard directed him, and Faramir’s heart that was already in his throat seemed to choke him even more. “Oh Gods, Haldir,” he murmured as he ran down the stairs and carefully brushed hair back from his lover’s forehead. He could see his chest rising and falling, so some of his panic seemed to ease but only a little. “What happened?” he asked Drevin.

“I… don’t know,” he said not mentioning the steward’s words to him. “I just found him here.”

Faramir frowned, and carefully scooped an unconscious Haldir into his arms, wincing when the Elf moaned in pain. “It’s all right, my golden one, I’ve got you,” he whispered and didn’t see the shocked look in Drevin’s eyes. The young guard had never seen anyone speak so kindly to any slave before.

Feeling as if he were suddenly weightless, a wave of nausea hit Haldir even before he was fully conscious. He heard Faramir’s voice, however, and felt soothed, though he vaguely remembered several of the other slaves saying they’d either been sent away from their masters when they were sick or injured, (which was, in most cases, a blessing) or ordered to continue their duties without interruption, despite any pain or discomfort they might feel. For the moment, however, he was held so gently by arms that could only be Faramir’s that all he could think of was that he hoped he would get well soon, so as not to disappoint Faramir or make him take another slave as a replacement… .which was ridiculous, of course, as he wasn’t here by choice, but true nevertheless. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around his master’s neck and tried to will away the dizziness and pain that seemed to hit him in great waves. His lips pressed against Faramir’s neck and he murmured softly. “I am sorry, my Lord… it was an accident…”

When Haldir stirred in his arms, Faramir felt relief wash over him as he carried him back upstairs to their room. “Shhh, shhh, its all right. You’ve done nothing to be sorry for,” he whispered. Once at the door, his guard posted there opened it for him. “Send for Elreath,” he said as he passed into the room. “Where do you want to be? The couch? The bed?” he asked as he looked at Haldir and felt his heart break as he saw a bruise forming on his beautiful, though extremely pale face.

Haldir swallowed back his nausea and forced himself to relax. So Elreath would be the one taking care of him? Not what he wanted, but what did he expect? He was a slave and Faramir had more important matters to attend to than to waste time on him and his clumsiness. Besides, there was concern in his voice, which was much more than most slaves ever got from their master. “Wherever is out of your way,” he said softly. “Though… I think I am going to be sick…” He struggled to get down, not wanting to take a chance on making a mess of Faramir’s clothes, but the movement seemed to only make him sicker. “Gods… everything is spinning…”

Faramir tightened his hold on the struggling Elf in his arms and wondered at his words. Out of my way? He carried Haldir to the bath where the chamber pot was and used one hand to yank a large towel into the floor so Haldir could sit on it instead of the cold floor. He set Haldir down and before he could lean away to grab another towel Haldir was already retching. Faramir scooted close behind him, wrapping his arm around his lover’s shoulder to help him sit up right and used his other hand to gather his long golden hair back. “It’s all right… I’ve got you,” he whispered softly.

A cold sweat seemed to cover every inch of Haldir’s skin as Faramir witnessed his weakness, but try as he might, he couldn’t seem to shake the gut-wrenching nausea that hit him full force again and again. His head throbbed, his ribs ached, and his shoulder was hurt… but none of that was as bad as Faramir seeing him like he was at that moment though. “I am fine,” he managed between great heaving breaths and full body shudders. He tried to reach back and hold his own hair, but that made the pain in his ribs and shoulders all the much more intense. “Gods, I am sorry, my Lord… you should not…” Retching again, he was more than a little grateful for Faramir’s arm around his shoulder, as he didn’t think he had the strength to stay upright. “… you should not have to see this…”

Faramir refrained from the normal banter between them and kept from saying something like ‘yes you look fine’ and sighed. “Hush, its all right,” he whispered. “We are in our rooms, Haldir, you may call me Faramir remember?” He continued to stroke Haldir’s hair and hold him close even as he got sick again. Faramir pressed his cheek between trembling shoulder blades and simply held him, wishing there were more he could do.

The nausea didn’t seem to be getting any better, but the feeling of Faramir holding him and supporting him made Haldir feel marginally better. After several long minutes, he was having nothing more than dry heaves. Even they made his ribs and back scream with agony, and he thought he’d never in all his life felt as sick as he did right then. He reached behind him with one hand just to touch Faramir, and closed his eyes, wondering if his master would return to his duties now or after he’d handed him off to the other Elves to look after him until he was better. “Thank… you, Faramir,” he whispered. “My head hurts so badly I can barely think.”

Faramir closed his eyes as Haldir continued to heave even when there was simply nothing left. He’d seen this happen in battles before, head injuries cause such nausea, it was little wonder Haldir’s head hurt. “I think you hit it pretty hard,” Faramir said softly, as his hand continued to stroke Haldir’s hair, unsure if the action was to sooth his lover or himself at that point. It was starting to set in, the fact that Haldir could have just as easily broken his neck. It frightened him to his core. Faramir had come to grips somewhat with the fact that at the end of the year he would lose the Elf he’d fallen so hard for, but the fact that he would still be ALIVE somewhere seemed to give him hope. As if there were some chance he could see Haldir again. But death… that wasn’t something anyone wished to think of. Once he was certain Haldir was finished being sick, Faramir scooted back a little and scooped the Elf into his arms again.

Laying limply against Faramir’s chest, it occurred to Haldir that despite everything, he was relaxed and at peace when they were together, and there was no place he’d rather be than here in his master’s arms. He wished Faramir weren’t his master of course, but there was no denying that Haldir was comfortable with him, – comfortable enough to overcome his embarrassment about being sick, anyway. He was covered in a cold sweat, and simply lay trembling against his lover for long minutes until he heard a knock on the door and Elreath announced herself. Waiting for Faramir to leave him with Boromir’s pleasure slave, he resisted the urge to cling for a moment, and started to move. “I am sure you need to get back to your duties… but thank you for staying with me this long,” he whispered, completely letting his guard down as the room continued to spin around him. “It helped, your being here…”

Holding Haldir close against him, Faramir looked up when he saw Elreath open the door. He wondered for a moment at Haldir’s words about going back to his duties but didn’t say anything. Faramir quickly explained the situation to the Elleth and asked her to retrieve some herbs for him to help with Haldir’s pain and his upset stomach. He was thankful that she didn’t start babbling and fretting; she simply followed his instructions and gave Haldir her most encouraging smile she could muster for her friend. Once she exited again, Faramir looked back at Haldir. “Where would you rather be? The couch or the bed?” he asked softly.

“This feels nice right here,” Haldir murmured, burying his face against Faramir’s neck and taking slow, deep breaths. “But I think the bed would probably be better. It will be easier for Elreath to help me with the herbs that way.”

Faramir frowned as he spoke of Elreath. Perhaps Haldir would prefer to have another Elf care for him? “Do… do you want that?” he asked as he carried Haldir to the bed. “I mean… do you want her to take care of you or another Elf? I… I can step aside and let them if you’d be more comfortable.” He set Haldir on the bed as gently as if he were made of glass and moved to take off his boots for him.

“Step aside?” Haldir finally opened his eyes and looked down at Faramir as his boots were removed with such gentleness. “No, I do not want her here, actually, but I do not expect you to waste your time waiting for me to get better. It was not your fault that I fell… and I promise that by the time you come back tonight, I will feel up to… well, to doing whatever you like.”

Usually nimble fingers fumbled and Faramir dropped one of the boots on the floor rather than setting it down gently. “Feel up to? No, no you are going to rest,” he said looking up at Haldir appalled that he would even consider that Faramir force him to… ‘perform’ in his condition. “And… if you don’t want Elreath here, then she will go once she brings what I asked for. I… did you think I intended to leave you in someone else’s care?” he asked curious now as he worked on the other boot and set it more gently against the floor.

Haldir started to nod, but thought better of the idea when the pounding in his head intensified and he had to fight back another wave of nausea. “Well… yes,” he admitted. “I mean… I am here to take care of you, not the other way around, and I know that most masters send their slaves away when they cannot to their jobs. Just because you allow me to act a bit differently behind closed doors, I know I have not done anything to deserve more than that… like the luxury of having you take care of me.”

“Luxury?” Faramir grinned then and stood up to help Haldir out of his clothes. “I want to take care of you… and you can’t deny your master what he wants right?” he said softly as he carefully removed Haldir’s tunic. “Besides… I couldn’t possibly sleep knowing you were in pain and away from me if you were sent to the healers.” He tried to push away the thoughts that he really should get accustomed to that, in less than six months Haldir was leaving… for good.

Haldir’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at Faramir in shock. He was sure it wasn’t unheard of for masters to take care of their slaves, but it certainly wasn’t common practice. It almost hurt to know that Faramir cared enough for him to do such a thing, but it also warmed something in him that he hadn’t even known existed. Right then, he didn’t feel like a slave at all. He felt more like a lover, and he liked that feeling… liked it very much, in fact. “No, I would never deny you anything,” he whispered honestly, stifling a moan as his ribs began to ache as he undressed. “Will you lay here with me then?”

“I’ll join you once I get you settled in if that’s what you want,” Faramir whispered. Mindful of Haldir’s injuries, Faramir helped him undress, and pulled the covers around him then carefully removed the golden combs, and brushed his fingers carefully through his hair. When his finger’s brushed against a large bump, he felt Haldir jump and a muffled moan made his heart ache again. “You hit your head pretty hard,” he said softly. Before Haldir could answer a knock sounded at the door and he rushed to it. He took everything Elreath had brought and carried the tray to the bedroom. “She brought everything we need,” he said setting the tray on the bedside table. He poured hot water into a cup and added some of the crushed herbs he’d asked for. “This will help with both your stomach and your head I think,” he said offering the cup to Haldir.

Stifling another moan as he sat up, Haldir smiled when Faramir helped him and supported him as he drank the bitter tea. “Why do you care so much?” he asked softly. “Why do you treat me so kindly when you do not have to?”

Almost startling as Haldir questioned him, he knew he couldn’t answer the Elf honestly. Haldir was likely to laugh at him if he admitted he was in love with him. “Because as I’ve said before I’m not a cruel man… and… I care about you Haldir. Do you know it nearly scared the life right out of me when I was told you were hurt? It… it frightened me… because I do care what happens to you. I know I don’t have to do anything but… I want to,” he explained carefully.

Haldir, now fully naked and moving with excruciating slowness, tugged the blanket around him and settled himself in Faramir’s lap, the one place in all the world he seemed to be most comfortable. He leaned up and pressed a kiss to the side of his master’s neck then wrapped both arms around his shoulders. “No, you are not a cruel man,” he whispered, already feeling the pull of sleep settling over his entire body. His words began to slur and each little pain became just a bit dimmer. “I sometimes wish we had met as equals… I think we might have…” His words trailed off as he drifted to sleep without even finishing his thought, still clinging to his lover and snoring softly within seconds.

Faramir smiled as Haldir crawled into his lap on his own despite his obvious pain. Such a stubborn one… one of the many reasons I love him. He sighed softly when Haldir’s words trailed off, truly curious how his sentence may have ended. Might have been friends or… or more? Pressing a tender kiss against Haldir’s temple, Faramir carefully shifted in the bed, so that he could easily hold Haldir as he slept. “What am I going to do when you leave?” he asked sadly, for what seemed the millionth time, as he kept watch over his charge.

Chapter 9

Days passed before Faramir stopped treating Haldir as if he were made of glass. If anyone thought it was strange that a master take care of their slave personally, no one spoke of it though even Elreath was surprised by the extent of Faramir’s devotion.

Almost two full weeks passed before Haldir was completely healed and even then Faramir was careful in the way he touched him. This went on for a few more days until Haldir asked if he were being punished for falling down the stairs like what happened in the marketplace that day months before. Surprised by the question, Faramir began treating Haldir the same as he had before, though he hadn’t begun giving Haldir ‘orders’ again. But in the last day or so it seemed Haldir had looked at him expectantly more than once, as if waiting for his master to tell him what he wanted.

With that thought in his mind all day, Faramir decided that they would return to their roles that night and was surprised when he walked into their room to find it empty. The door to the bath was closed and he smiled as he crossed the room. He was early after all, having thought all day about the way Haldir had looked at him just that morning and he’d hurried through his work. He opened the door quietly and smiled as he stood in the doorway watching silently. He knew Haldir sensed him the moment he’d opened the door but the Elf hadn’t looked up at him yet. Instead he stepped out of the tub, and reached for a towel. Water was running down his body and pooling at his feet. No more bruises marred his beautiful skin, and Faramir’s mouth began to water at the thought of licking the fresh taste of the water from Haldir’s skin. “No,” the words were spoken softly. “Don’t cover up.”

The corners of Haldir’s mouth twitched as he tried not to smile at his master’s words. If he hadn’t been a slave, he wouldn’t have craved the direction so much…or so he thought. In some ways, though, he had to admit, it was kind of erotic to be told exactly what your lover wanted. Letting the towel drop to the floor, Haldir simply gave a slight nod of understanding, sensing that things were getting back to normal. Sometimes, in the privacy of their own rooms, he teased Faramir, laughed with him, or was allowed to torture him with dozens of kisses. Tonight though, he was the perfect slave – obedient and submissive and ready to do absolutely anything Faramir wanted. Gods… what has gotten in to me? Why is making him happy the only thing I can think of? Telling himself that he was merely taking pride in the job that had been forced upon him, he stood naked and dripping before his lover, letting his golden hair frame his face and his eyes stay fixed on the ground at his feet. The mere thought of things going back to normal was making him aroused already, and he could only hope that would please Faramir, because there simply wasn’t much he could do about it at the moment.

Faramir licked his lips as Haldir obeyed him so easily and it was plain to see that the Elf was eagerly anticipating what would happen. His eyes followed a large drop of water traveling down Haldir’s chest, down perfectly formed muscles, to his stomach and lower. “Get on your knees,” he said clearly. When he saw Haldir begin to look up at him, he shook his head. “Don’t look up at me until I tell you to.”

Again, Haldir had to bite back a smile, but he got to his knees as directed. “Yes, my Lord,” he murmured as his skin touched the cold stone floor and he rested his backside against his heels. His erection, meanwhile, was cooperating nicely, filling and growing thicker with every passing moment.

Smiling as Haldir followed his orders, Faramir could feel his arousal growing even more and his next words were spoken huskily as he continued with his orders. “With my next order you will look up at me,” he said softly and saw Haldir nod. “Crawl to me, slowly,” he whispered already breathing heavily himself. With that order, Faramir began to unlace his own tunic though, as Haldir looked up at him and their eyes met, he found he couldn’t move. All he could do was watch his slave crawl to him, his body glistening with water, his muscles moving smoothly with each graceful move toward him.

Haldir’s breath caught in his throat, as he moved, no longer even aware of the rough stone floor beneath him, or the now cold water dripping from his skin. From the moment their gazes met, he was aware of nothing and no one but the man before him. He wondered what Faramir saw as he moved closer, and moaned softly as he saw his own need mirrored in the blue eyes of this Ranger who commanded him. Feeling the flesh between his legs getting heavy and fuller, he forced himself to move slowly, and with great deliberation, completely unaware of the image he presented. He moved as slowly as possible, never breaking their gaze, and licked at his lips, wanting Faramir to know that he wanted him…and not because he had to.

Faramir bit back a moan as he saw Haldir lick at his lips and still keeping his eyes on the erotic vision before him, he quickly unlaced his tunic and toed off his boots. His breeches were becoming decidedly uncomfortable, but he waited to remove them. When Haldir was only about a foot away from him, Faramir cleared his throat before ordering him to stop. Instead of giving in to his base desire and asking his slave to pleasure him with his mouth, he stepped forward, and circled the prone form. Even like this Haldir looked elegant and proud. He walked around his lover and leaned down to let his fingertips trail over his back, feeling the cool damp skin against the pads of his fingers before moving down to a perfect backside. He grinned when Haldir seemed to arch into his touch and let his palm slide down his backside a little before moving away again and looking at him from behind. He simply drank in the soft fall of golden hair across his shoulders, some spilling down his back, the rest hanging forward and framing his face. His eyes moved down the curve of his back, loving the way the muscles there were sculpted from centuries of bow and swordplay. “You are exceptionally beautiful, Haldir,” he whispered softly as his hands lowered to his breeches. He unlaced them with unsteady hands and managed to take them off in a matter of seconds. For a moment he simply watched Haldir, knowing his lover didn’t know what Faramir’s next order might be. Lowering himself to his knees behind Haldir he hardly felt the cold wet floor beneath him and he allowed his hands to touch again. Splaying them against his lover’s lower back and waist Faramir dragged them lower over his backside and grinned as he felt muscles tremble.

Haldir’s body reacted to Faramir’s touch immediately – not out of training or force of habit though – simply out of pure, unadulterated desire. His legs parted and his hands clenched into fists on the floor, and he had to bite his bottom lip to keep from speaking, or moaning, or pleading with Faramir not to stop. He did, however, allow himself to roll his hips, offering himself to his lover and pushing back against his hands. Even now, after all these months, he was still surprised at how readily he reacted to Faramir’s touch. So many of the other slaves in Gondor had to simply endure their master’s touch, or pretend to enjoy it as they thought of someone else. But that had never been the case with Faramir. Even in their first days as master and slave, Haldir, once he had accepted their positions, had loved being touched by this man who had claimed him and denied him his freedom. That didn’t even seem to matter any more, he thought, as he was no longer obsessing over how many days of slavery he had left before he could return to his home. In fact, he rarely even gave it much thought. He sighed as strong, gentle hands moved over his skin, and couldn’t resist pushing back again, inviting Faramir to take more, to take everything.

Smiling at the way Haldir reacted to his touch, Faramir continued to simply let his hands roam over his skin for a few more minutes, and then he leaned closer brushing his lips against his lower back. Kisses were pressed against his spine, the curve of a hip, dragging his beard across the pale skin and then his teeth. The shiver the action produced made him grin again and he kissed lower, nipping with his teeth at his lover’s backside. He almost laughed at the way Haldir’s body would move away at first, a tiny jump but then press back as if begging for more. Dragging his hands lower, he parted the smooth cheeks and leaned closer, letting his breath ghost against the sensitive flesh before licking around the puckered entrance. The immediate reaction that was drawn from his lover, encouraged Faramir and he pressed his tongue forward into the tight opening. He’d never done this with another, had no desire to, but he seemed to want everything with Haldir. Perhaps because he knew their time was so short? Pushing the thought away, he delved deeper, feeling the tight muscle relax around his tongue.

Leaning forward to rest his head on his arms, Haldir whimpered in both surprise and pleasure as his body was breached by what could only be Faramir’s tongue. The wet muscle pressed insistently against him and the shivering Elf felt the wrinkled skin of his entrance stretch and give way, the mere thought of what was being done to him causing little darts of pleasure to shoot through his entire body. “By the Valar…” he muttered softly and cursed under his breath. He’d never had this done to him before, and Gods, it felt incredible, knowing that Faramir wanted him that way. Fighting the urge to reach down and touch himself, he closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing even as his hips began to rock back and forth against Faramir’s wicked mouth, praying that he wouldn’t stop anytime soon.

Encouraged by the reaction Haldir had, Faramir continued pressing forward into him and then withdrawing to lick around the tight muscle before delving inside again. After several moments he added a finger, stretching the muscle even more. His own arousal was dripping slick fluid onto the marble floor, but he ignored the insistent throb to continue drawing the wonderful sounds from his lover his actions seemed to produce. He’d never heard Haldir like this, they’d made love so many times and many ways but he’d never drawn such audible reactions from him before. Finally drawing away, he kissed and nipped at Haldir’s hip, his finger continuing to move within him, as his other hand moved down to fondle and touch his lover and caress the insides of his thighs. “Gods, I always think I can’t possibly want you more than the day before but each day I prove myself wrong,” he whispered.

You are proving more than yourself wrong. Haldir didn’t say the words, but they rang loud and clear in his head. Those thoughts were easily pushed aside in favor of other, more pleasant feelings, however, as Faramir’s finger moved deep inside him, the tight ring of muscles gripping the digit almost desperately, still warm and wet and wonderfully open from the probing tongue that had just prepared him. Faramir’s other hand between his thighs was so tender and soothing that Haldir felt a fierce wave of protectiveness wash over him, along with the need to give Faramir as much pleasure as he always seemed so willing to give. Haldir was so focused on the incredible sensations his lover was causing, he didn’t even realize that he was whispering Faramir’s name again and again under his breath as he continued to rock back and forth.

Curling his finger, searching for that perfect spot inside him, Faramir smiled as Haldir arched and cried out when his finger brushed against it. Unable to wait any longer, Faramir drew back, and dragged Haldir against him. His aching arousal pressed against his lover, slick with his own fluids, and he thrust forward slowly into the now relaxed opening. He whispered his lover’s name as he leaned down kissing Haldir’s back, while he pressed in deeper. Faramir almost blurted out what he felt for the amazing Elf he’d fallen so deeply in love with, and was grateful his lips had been occupied. His arms wrapped around the perfect body beneath him and he sat back on his heels, pulling Haldir up into his lap, driving himself deeper inside. “You make me want things I never imagined,” he whispered honestly, though Haldir was likely to think he only meant pleasure but Faramir meant so much more.

As he was slowly impaled and pulled back against Faramir’s body, Haldir moaned in pure bliss and tilted his head back to lie on his lover’s shoulder. One arm reached behind him, winding around his master’s neck, while the other rested over Faramir’s hands and entwined their fingers. “And you have made me imagine things I never even knew I wanted,” he murmured as the final inch of the swollen flesh pushing up inside him slid in even deeper. Turning his head to the side, he pulled Faramir closer and sealed their lips together, sucking on his lover’s tongue and shifting his hips to make the rigid organ delving deep in his passage rub over his sweet spot.

Faramir’s heart skipped when Haldir kissed him so passionately as their bodies moved as one. His mind went completely blank except for what they were sharing, and at least he could pretend that this was more than it was. More than a slave simply giving himself over to his master. He could pretend in his mind that this was so much more, though he knew he would regret it later when Haldir left in a few months. With that thought, Faramir kissed him more passionately wanting to brand into his memory and perhaps Haldir’s as well, what they had now. His body moved, thrusting up into the body that gripped him so tightly, Gods it was as if they were simply made for each other though he knew the notion was silly. His hand slid from under one of Haldir’s down his chest to his stomach and lower, to the slick shaft that was curved up from between his lover’s legs. He stroked him, matching the pace their bodies set, and finally drew away from the kiss. When Haldir opened his eyes, Faramir wondered at what he saw there, certain he was foolishly imagining things and looked away.

In that moment, Haldir belonged to Faramir, both in body and in soul, and he gave more of himself than he ever had before. Some part of him that he didn’t even know existed wanted to hold on to this moment, when they were truly lovers, nothing more and nothing less, and cherish it forever. He moved up and down on the thick shaft, his fingers curled in Faramir’s hair and his breath was lost in their kiss. The hand on his sex moved in perfect rhythm, just as Haldir’s own would have done, and he squeezed the long fingers tangled with his own tightly, trying to ground himself and hold on for as long as he could. Finally pulling away for air, he took only one breath before latching on to Faramir’s neck and sucking hard, wanting everyone to know that he was taken, even if it was only by a slave and only for a short time. He balls drew up against his body, and he tugged at Faramir’s hair as he cried out and thrust up into the fist surrounding him and back down on the organ inside him. “Close…so close…”

Moaning as Haldir sucked almost greedily at his neck, Faramir continued to move, thrusting deep. He felt Haldir’s body trembling on the edge, and bit his lip as he felt his own release building. He tried to hold on just a little longer, but simply couldn’t. With one last deep thrust he didn’t order but almost begged his lover breathlessly to come with him. His entire body seemed to go ridged as he spilled inside Haldir, crying out his name and hearing it echo in the small room. He pulled him closer, kissing him, stifling his moans and Haldir’s as well as they continued to move, each thrust slower than before. I love you, Gods, I love you more than I could possibly say, and I can never tell you.

As warmth filled him, Haldir came as well, spilling over the hand that was still stroking him so expertly. His arousal pulsed and twitched, his release spurting up onto his chest and stomach, and the soft, almost desperate moans and words that fell from his lips were held between them, not for any other to hear, sounds shared only between two lovers who hadn’t a care in the world at that very moment. Their orgasms seemed to last forever, but finally, when Haldir felt himself softening in Faramir’s hand, he relaxed fully back against him and began nuzzling against his neck, almost purring with contentment. “I would crawl to you any day of the week,” he said with a smile, letting the edge of his teeth graze over sweat-dampened skin, failing to mention that he would do it even if he weren’t a slave.

Faramir was completely spent; his breath was coming in harsh pants and gasps when they finally drew apart from this kiss. They’d had sex often since Haldir came into his life, but this felt like so much more. Though he knew he was the only one that felt that way, for one brief moment it had felt shared. When their hearts seemed to slow back to normal, Faramir laughed softly at Haldir’s words. “I wasn’t sure at first what my plan really was, other than loving the sight of you and how you moved so gracefully. I’m glad you enjoyed it though,” he grinned. “Because I think I just might have to try that again sometime.” He nuzzled against his lover, just enjoying feeling him close until his spent shaft slipped from within him. He reached for a towel and cleaned Haldir gently and then himself. “And I can honestly admit I am absolutely starving now. You made me work up quite an appetite,” he teased.

Smiling as Faramir cleaned him so gently, Haldir nodded in agreement. “I could use some food myself,” he sighed, reluctantly standing up and offering Faramir his hand to pull him to his feet. “We could always have dinner sent up here to our….I mean to your room, and not have to get dressed.” He’d almost blurted out’our room’, and could only hope Faramir hadn’t noticed. Sometimes, however, when it was just the two of them, it felt like they shared everything – including the room. Suddenly remembering his place, he had the grace to blush at his mistake, and quickly hurried to cover it, hoping Faramir wouldn’t be offended at his little slip. “Shall I tell the guards, or had you rather go down to the main hall, or…”

Faramir stared at Haldir for a moment as he’d said ‘our’ in reference to the room. He reached out and gently touched Haldir’s cheek, half stunned, half amused at the blush staining his lovely face. “I would rather eat here…in…our room. As…as long as you are living here it is your room too. At least…we share it together so…it is ours,” he almost stumbled over the words but tried to smile. “I know that here…it is difficult for anything to be ‘yours’ I realize that but…in my eyes at least, until the day you leave, this is your room as well.”

Haldir almost wished Faramir had been offended by his slip of the tongue. It would have been easier to resent his position in Gondor, to resent being a slave of all things. On impulse, he wrapped both arms around his lover and held him tight, swallowing the lump in his throat and closing his eyes. “Gods, I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am going to miss you when I leave Gondor,” he whispered. Though the thoughts of returning to Lothlorien aren’t all that appealing right now. “Thank you for being so kind to me. I wish I could tell you…or show you…how much your kindness and gentleness has meant.”

Finding himself shocked but pleased by the sudden hug, Faramir wrapped his arms around Haldir and simply held him. He swallowed hard, trying to keep from making a complete fool of himself by begging Haldir to stay or worse telling him how he really felt. “I’ll miss you too…so very much,” he whispered. He was unable to answer to anything else. He didn’t wish for Haldir to repay him for his kindness, all he wanted was for the golden Elf to love him.

“I am glad you will miss me,” Haldir confessed, surprising himself with his honesty as he held Faramir tightly. “I am not sure why, but…I am.”

Faramir sighed and pressed a kiss against Haldir’s cheek. He tried to smile and instead of releasing his lover he picked him up and simply carried him to the other room. “We won’t starve to death,” he whispered as Haldir looked at him with wide blue eyes and carried him to the bed. He just didn’t want to let his lover go for a moment after their admissions. It wasn’t what he would have liked but of course, that would never happen so he would take what he had and make the best of it. “You can’t say such sweet things and expect me to let you go afterwards,” he explained as he laid Haldir on the bed, and settled beside him.

Reaching up to run his hand alongside Faramir’s face, Haldir smiled up at him happily. “Then I shall keep saying sweet things, because you do not have to let me go anytime soon, you know. We still have a few months left.” The admission made him unaccountably sad, but one would only notice if they’d been looking in his eyes when he said the words. Quickly pasting a smile on his face, he blinked back the emotions he was sure had flashed in his eyes – emotions he neither wanted nor needed. “A few months that I promise to make good for you.”

Faramir was glad that he’d closed his eyes when Haldir caressed his face, because his eyes would have betrayed him at his lover’s words. “We’ll make the best of them,” he whispered. “Together, not just you for me…but both of us. I know you didn’t want to be here, don’t…don’t want to be here like this but…I’d like your memories of this place…of…me to not all be bad ones.” He opened his eyes but only met Haldir’s for a moment before he looked down trying his best to keep Haldir from seeing anything more in his eyes.

Haldir wrapped both arms around Faramir’s neck and pulled him close. “They will not be bad ones,” he said softly. “Despite everything, I am only going to remember how good you were to me, how sexy and handsome and kind and…and how easily you could make my body react to your every touch.” He paused for a moment, threading his fingers through now tousled hair and sighed. “And I’ will remember how much I loved mak…being intimate with you, not because you made me, but because I wanted to.”

Faramir buried his face against Haldir’s neck and breathed in his scent as he closed his eyes. “Then we’ll make sure they all stay good memories then,” he said softly and rolled so Haldir was laying over him. “Would you like to be lazy?” he grinned when Haldir looked at him oddly. “I can ask the guards to have food sent up and we could eat right here in bed.”

Idly letting his hands move over Faramir’s skin, Haldir nodded and pressed a chaste kiss against his temple. “I would love to be lazy with you. It seems like I have done a lot of that lately, but I am certainly not getting tired of it…”

Faramir smiled as his hands matched what Haldir’s were doing. “I suppose you have…would you like to do more? I mean…if you would, I hadn’t really considered it before but if you would like to at least go riding with me I don’t think it would be a problem,” he said softly. He’d need to assure the guards that Haldir would not try to escape, but as long as they were together…he believed he could trust that Haldir wouldn’t leave at least until the end of their agreement.

Haldir looked up in surprise, but nodded at once. Many of the slaves were confined to their master’s rooms or, at the very least, to the citadel, and the chance to be outside in the fresh air was one he wouldn’t even dream of passing up. Besides, he truly enjoyed spending time with his master, as ridiculous as that sounded, and though it would never have occurred to him to go back on his word and try to escape, but he was touched that Faramir had so much faith in him that he would even offer such freedom. “You would let me do that?”

“Yes, if it is what you want…I’ll have to assure the guards and my father that you would be with me and that you wouldn’t try to escape but yes,” Faramir said softly. The others would think he was crazy, especially allowing Haldir his own mount where he could so easily get away but he trusted Haldir. After all, the Elf had held a knife to his throat once and hadn’t wanted to harm him. He trusted Haldir, perhaps it was strange and maybe even dangerous for most masters to trust their slave, but they certainly weren’t typical.

Reaching down to entwine their fingers just as lovers would, Haldir smiled at Faramir and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I would never break my word to you,” he said softly, meaning not only was he as good as his word, but also that he would never lie to Faramir. “I will ride behind you, or with you, or whatever else you would wish for me to do, but I would not even consider trying to escape, Faramir, I swear.”

“I know, I trust you, Haldir,” Faramir whispered drawing their entwined fingers to his lips and brushing a kiss against Haldir’s. He came so close to saying how he felt then, but instead he looked away. “I should go talk to the guards and have dinner sent up,” he said changing the subject.

Haldir watched with sparkling eyes as Faramir kissed him so gently, and reluctantly released his hand. “I will be here…and I will find us some books to read while we relax.”

Faramir grinned as he slipped out of the bed and picked up his robe. He doubted they’d get much reading done but didn’t mention that to Haldir as he belted the robe on his way to the door. He hardly had time to admire Haldir as he selected books from one of the shelves before there was a knock at the door and a servant brought their dinner. Just as Faramir predicted though, once they’d eaten, the books seemed to be forgotten.

Chapter 10

The days seemed to be passing all too quickly, each and every day Faramir dreaded the sunrise because he knew it brought him one day closer to losing Haldir but he was making the most of the time they had. He’d arranged it so he could spend as much time as he possibly could with his slave.

Tonight though was the festival, and they would be expected to be there. Denethor had told him in no uncertain terms that both his sons would attend and bring their slaves, as was custom. It was the only time of the year that the slaves got to really interact at all with one another more than in their daily duties. It was the one piece of tradition Denethor had kept over the years that allowed the slaves just a tiny amount of freedom. Though they had to arrive with and return to their masters, the slaves were free to be with whomever they wanted for the evening.

Faramir had always liked the idea—until now. He wasn’t sure he could stand it if Haldir did decide to be with someone else for the night, but he couldn’t go against it either. Though many slaves he’d noticed, those with kinder masters or those with extremely strict masters normally stayed close and didn’t choose anyone else. Those with kind masters, remained loyal and those with cruel ones, feared not being loyal. Now it seemed even more unkind to him than it had in the past as if testing the slaves for their faithfulness.

So far though, Haldir had remained at his side, politely speaking to those who spoke to him but nothing more. Each moment that passed seemed to help Faramir relax as he realized Haldir was not going to choose someone else. Even for just a dance it seemed.

Haldir was more than content to simply be with Faramir, laughing and talking with him, almost resenting the interruptions from other slaves or noblemen and women who wanted to speak with his master. One of the higher-ranking councilmen had even smiled becomingly at him more than once that night, but Haldir simply smiled and nodded, then turned his attention back to Faramir. As soft music started to drift through the courtyard, Haldir took his lover’s hand and nodded toward the center of the garden. “Would you allow me to dance with you, my Lord?”

Faramir looked up at Haldir and smiled. “Yes,” he whispered squeezing Haldir’s hand gently. They wound their way through the other guests and when they were amongst the other dancers Faramir’s arms wrapped around Haldir, pleased it was a soft gentle song. He really didn’t dance much,. Though he’d had to for many of the parties and festivals, Faramir had never really enjoyed it. Though with Haldir in his arms, he did.

Resting his head on Faramir’s shoulder, Haldir locked his hands behind his lover and closed his eyes, swaying to the music and singing softly along in Elvish. He’d noticed Faramir seemed to be keeping an eye on him that night, and though on this evening, he could have chosen another to spend his time with, he had no intention of doing so. He wondered if Faramir wished for him to, so he could have some peace and privacy, or if he was content to let this night be like any other, and just spend time with his slave. “This is nice,” he murmured. “You do not mind my staying with you, do you? I know we are allowed to be with someone else.”

Faramir’s arms tightened reflexively around Haldir as he spoke. “I have to admit I had hoped you wouldn’t want to choose someone else, but it is allowed tonight so I couldn’t have denied it, though I wouldn’t have been happy about it. I once told you that I don’t want anyone’s hands on you but mine and I still feel that way.” If not more so.

Haldir couldn’t help but smile at the possessiveness in Faramir’s words and tone. “I do not want anyone else’s hands on me either,” he said softly as he began nibbling on the warm skin of is lover’s neck and they moved slowly in time with the music. “Your hands know me too well.”

Smiling as Haldir nibbled on his neck that way, Faramir let his hands roam over his lover’s back, feeling more like he was dancing with his mate than his slave. Though in his heart that is what Haldir was, his mate. He didn’t notice the others around them watching though, seeing how tender they were with each other, particularly a dark set of eyes watching from the corner of the garden.

The song was over far too soon, and Haldir distracted Faramir by nibbling on his ear until the next song ended. He noticed a dark-haired Elven slave bringing out fresh bowls of fruit and ale, and finally pulled away, not even realizing that instead of stepping back and bowing his head, he’d simply taken Faramir’s hand and looked him directly in the eye. Submission wasn’t exactly required on this night, but would have been preferred. Quickly remembering himself, Haldir finally looked down, though he still had a small smile playing on the corners of his lips at the sparkle in his lover’s eye. “Would you like something to drink, my Lord? Some ale, or wine?”

Though Faramir had never been fond of dancing he found himself disappointed when the song ended and Haldir pulled away. He smiled when his slave looked at him though, it was only a brief moment but he thought that he saw true happiness in those beautiful blue eyes. He watched as Haldir dipped his head playing his role as slave for the benefit of others and addressed him formally. “That’d be nice,” he said starting to go with Haldir but was stopped when one of his men approached him. He bit back a sigh and reluctantly released Haldir’s hand to speak with them, and found himself still distracted as he watched the Elf weave his way through the crowd.

It took Haldir a bit longer than expected to the drinks, and almost a quarter of an hour had passed before he made his way back to Faramir. He’d politely declined several invitations to return to others’ rooms, intent only on getting back to his lover as quickly as possible. As he turned away from the serving table, he saw Faramir talking to someone Haldir didn’t know, but thought little of it. Faramir was the son of the steward, and a captain of the Rangers, so it would stand to reason that many would have need to speak with him, even on the night of a celebration. When he drew closer, however, he saw the man was a rather handsome young nobleman who, for some reason Haldir couldn’t fathom had his hand on Faramir’s arm as he leaned forward and smiled. A flare of jealousy raced up the Elf’s spine and his eyes narrowed. He had no right to be upset, he knew that. While Faramir could have taken another lover at any time, either of them were perfectly free to chose someone else to spend the night with on this particular evening. But he hadn’t seemed like he wanted anyone else. Pushing his way through the dense crowd, he stopped short beside Faramir and handed him his drink, his face flushed with anger and his fingers clenched around his own glass. “Sorry I took so long,” he said tightly, keeping his head bowed slightly even as he kept a close eye on the nobleman standing with Faramir. “There was a line.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir handed him his glass and wondered why his face was flushed. It was warm this evening though so he thought perhaps that was why. “That’s all right,” he said softly and noticed that Turin seemed to look at him oddly. “Haldir, this is Turin, his father is on the council,” he explained, introducing the younger man.

“Oh how polite of you to introduce your slave,” Turin commented, oblivious to how insulting his words were. “Though you’ve always been a very kind sort haven’t you?”

Faramir frowned and shook his head, wanting to tell the young noble that he didn’t consider it kindness to introduce someone, it was just what one did. “I think we were just…going to join…my brother,” Faramir lied then, feeling a bit off kilter, especially when Turin’s hand tightened on his arm.

Haldir gritted his teeth at Turin’s rude comment, not to mention the fact that he was still holding on to Faramir’s arm. There wasn’t much he could do, even on this night of relative freedom, but he didn’t have to like it. Threading his arm through Faramir’s free one, he nodded in Turin’s direction and tugged gently on his master’s arm. “Aye, my lord, I believe your brother is waiting.” When Faramir didn’t move, Haldir noticed that the young nobleman still had a firm hold on his, which made things even worse. He felt like he was playing tug-of-war with Faramir, but since Turin was the only one who seemed interested, Haldir dared raised his eyes and looked none too friendly at him. “If you will please excuse us…”

Turin didn’t release Faramir’s wrist as his slave spoke. He laughed though. “Oh your slave is amusing…I suppose he knows how impatient your brother is,” Turin said more familiarly than Faramir would like. “I don’t think Lord Boromir will mind waiting a bit longer, he seems to be occupied at the moment anyway. Perhaps you and I could dance? I saw you earlier you know…you a very graceful,” Turin said offering a sweet smile, obviously flirting.

Faramir looked across the room to his brother hoping to catch his eye and somehow get him to come to them. “No. I am not the graceful one,” Faramir said softly, meaning Haldir of course whom he’d danced with, but by Turin’s broad smile he took it as Faramir complimenting him as being graceful.

“Since you are so worried about Lord Boromir being kept waiting,” Turin said addressing the Elf, “why don’t you go keep him company. He is a handsome man, perhaps you can be lucky enough to compare the two brothers.” Turin’s smile had turned lecherous as he looked at the golden Elf.

Faramir nearly growled. Just the idea of someone else touching Haldir made his skin crawl. He loved his brother but even as children they didn’t share things well and Haldir wasn’t a toy. “I am sorry, Turin, I’m afraid we have to go,” he said finally shaking off the younger man’s hand.

Before Haldir could stop himself, his eyes darkened and he spoke without thinking. “There is no comparison,” he said somewhat more forcefully than he should have. He could see that Faramir was uncomfortable, and his jealousy at the all-too-familiar way Turin was acting had already rubbed his nerves raw. Without waiting for the nobleman to respond, Haldir turned his attention back to Faramir and reached up to brush the hair back from his shoulder. “And you are graceful…my lord. I think you simply do not see it sometimes.” He stepped between Turin and Faramir as he spoke, keeping his face and demeanor as calm as he could. His anger, however, was apparent in his eyes, and he knew Faramir would easily see it. “Please, Lord Faramir, may we dance our way over to your brother?”

“Oh he is well trained too,” Turin commented as the slave declared his loyalty to Faramir. He didn’t get a chance to say anything else though before the Elf stepped between them and asked Faramir to dance.

Feeling frustrated with Turin’s rudeness Faramir simply stared at Haldir for a moment. Certain he saw anger turning his eyes darker. “That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Faramir said softly. He took Haldir’s wine glass and set it aside on a table and took his hand. “We can speak some other time perhaps, Turin…I really must speak with my brother…and I did promise Haldir another dance,” he said lying again.

Turin’s eyes narrowed and he scowled. “Yes, my lord, of course,” he said finally relenting. He’d hoped that the slave would find someone else to entertain him for the night and he could get Faramir to himself but that wasn’t the case. Though perhaps if he couldn’t get Faramir alone, there could still be a way. He didn’t like the idea of sharing with a slave of all things but he would do so just to be with the steward’s son. “Perhaps,” he said as they began to move away, “we could…come to some arrangement sometime. The three of us.”

Haldir gaped openly at Turin’s suggestion and turned to stare at him. The thought of this vile, arrogant man touching Faramir made his anger grow even more, and he struggled to contain himself. He didn’t even realize how tightly he was gripping Faramir’s arm as he spoke, never looking away from Turin, but directing his words to his master, knowing that he was certainly close to crossing the line between what he was allowed and what he would be punished for. Still, he couldn’t seem to help himself. “If I am to be punished, please let it be with a public flogging, rather than forcing me to watch him touch you, my Lord. Or at least send me from the room if you wish to be with him.”

Faramir had started to answer Turin, a polite no thank you but Haldir managed to speak first and not quite as politely. “I don’t think either will happen, good night Turin,” Faramir said putting his hand over Haldir’s and nearly prying it off his arm in order to hold his hand as they walked away. “That went incredibly well,” he mused sarcastically and had to bite his lip against the look Haldir gave him.

Still angry and not even understanding why, Haldir at least had the grace to blush. “I am sorry, I just could not stand the thoughts of…” His words trailed off and he told himself once again that he was overstepping his boundaries by far. He stopped, turned to Faramir, looked him in the eyes. “Please…do not ever make me watch you with someone else, Faramir. I know I have no right to ask, but…Gods. This is ridiculous. I sound like a jealous lover, not a slave who is bound to serve you! Please, forgive me. I should never have presumed to even open my mouth…”

As Haldir turned and looked at him, Faramir felt his heart leap in his chest as he spoke of being a jealous lover and not a slave. “I will never do that to you, you have my word,” Faramir said softly. He knew some of the others were watching them, and looked up in time to see his father staring at him with his eyebrow raised. “Perhaps it would just be best if we returned to our room now,” Faramir suggested not even waiting on Haldir’s answer just taking his hand and leading them away from the crowd of people.

Haldir meekly followed Faramir from the room, feeling as if he’d spoiled the entire evening for them both. As they walked down the deserted hallway, he hung his head and sighed, not speaking until they entered Faramir’s rooms. As soon as the door closed behind them, however, he sat down on the small couch and rested his head in his hands. “You should return to the celebration and lock me in here,” he said morosely. “I am sorry I spoiled everything.”

Faramir was surprised at how quiet Haldir had become and when they walked into the room and he sat down so dejectedly, his heart broke. Lowering himself to his knees in front of Haldir, he reached up and tucked a lock of golden hair behind an elegant ear. “You didn’t spoil anything,” he said softly. “I just grew tired of having everyone watching us, and Turin’s ‘offer’ made me a bit uncomfortable. I’m not upset with you,” he explained. He was secretly thrilled that Haldir had seemed jealous.

Slowly, Haldir lifted his hand to trace his fingertips over Faramir’s jaw, trying to push away the thoughts of what would happen after he was freed, and Faramir would want someone else to share his bed. For now, though, he could see the concern and gentleness in his master’s eyes, and slowly, his lips turned up in a smile. “You would have every right to be,” he said after a moment. “I would have liked to cut off his hands for pawing at you like that…cut them off very, very slowly. But can I settle for us taking a bath together and letting me wash away the memory of his touch?”

Faramir smiled and nodded. “I’d like that. I wasn’t too…pleased with the way he acted either but his father is an important man on the council so I tried to be as polite as I could with him,” he explained. It was likely if Turin complained that Faramir would hear about it from his father, but he was prepared for that. Haldir hadn’t been terribly insulting and so there was at least no risk of punishment being required for it. If anything, he would just explain that Haldir picked up on his own desire to not entertain Turin’s offers and helped him get out of the situation. It was likely his father would accept that as Turin had been particularly pushy with others, even Boromir in the past.

Haldir leaned forward and pressed his lips to his lover’s in a sweet kiss that quickly grew to more. Before he knew it, he’d scooted forward on the couch, wrapped both arms around Faramir, and was kissing him possessively as he pulled him closer. His only thought was to erase Turin’s touch completely for them both, though he was grateful beyond words that Faramir hadn’t wanted him to join them. The very thought made Haldir sick to his stomach. When he finally pulled away, he was breathless and still holding his master all too tightly.

Faramir slid forward, his body pressing against Haldir’s as he was kissed so passionately and so deeply it made him dizzy. Gods he had no idea what he would do when Haldir finally left. The agony of that thought drove him to return the kiss just as passionately and he pulled Haldir forward into his lap. They were breathless and both panting when they finally drew apart again. “I love…when you kiss me that way…of your own free will,” he whispered, amending his sentence before he said too much.

“I will tell you a secret,” Haldir murmured as he leaned forward and nibbled on Faramir’s ear. “Since our first kiss…they have all been of my free will. I love kissing you. I love doing all kinds of things to you, in fact, and not because it is required of me.” As he spoke, he unfastened both their tunics and slipped his arms underneath Faramir’s legs, standing and lifting his master up with him, as Faramir had carried him so many times.

Feeling his heart trip in his chest as Haldir spoke, Faramir swallowed hard. He wished that it meant Haldir loved him but couldn’t bring himself to say anything more. It simply hurt too much. All he could do was smile, and let his lover do whatever he wished. Besides it was to be Haldir’s night anyway, he could have chosen another but hadn’t, the least Faramir could do was to give himself over to him completely. “That’s good that you enjoy that because tonight…since you did not choose another…for tonight, I’m yours,” he whispered wondering just what Haldir might make of that.

I wish you were mine every night… Haldir’s eyes widened at his own thoughts, but he wasn’t all that surprised at them either. It was only natural some slaves got attached to their masters, or so he’d been told. “Why would I want another when I have you?” he murmured as he completely forgot about the bath and carefully laid Faramir back on the bed. “So, if you are all mine, does that mean you will do anything I tell you?” he murmured as he tugged his lover’s tunic off and licked across one nipple. He certainly wasn’t serious, as nothing had ever been mentioned about them switching roles, even on this night of so many choices. He couldn’t help but tease Faramir though, now that they were behind closed doors. “Does that mean you will be my pleasure slave for a few hours, my Lord?”

Loving the fact that Haldir said he didn’t want another, Faramir felt his heart leap in his chest. Then as Haldir opened his tunic and pressed his mouth against him, he arched against him wanting to feel more. Haldir’s last question though seemed to hang in the air for a moment. “Yes,” he whispered and locked his gaze with Haldir’s. “For tonight, I’m yours…master,” he added the last word, at first he’d thought it would be spoken teasingly but the way Haldir’s eyes had darkened as he’d said the word ‘yours’ made his breath hitch.

Freezing in place for a moment as the last word fell from Faramir’s lips, Haldir studied his eyes carefully and saw nothing but honesty there. It amazed him that Faramir trusted him as much, and he was fairly certain none of the other slaves were getting this treatment, no matter where they were, or who they were with, unless it was another slave, and even then he doubted they’d do this. “You are serious…” he whispered feeling a surge of excitement race up his spine and center directly in his groin. He’d been treated so kindly, there was no way he wouldn’t do the same with Faramir, but the feeling of power was erotic, nevertheless. “Then, I think I would like my gorgeous pleasure slave to lie back and spread his arms and legs wide…oh, and close his eyes.”

Faramir watched, as realization seemed to hit Haldir that he was being absolutely serious. He nodded as Haldir told him what to do, and shifted on the bed to do exactly that. He closed his eyes and licked his lips, wondering what his lover had in mind for him. Trust wasn’t even an issue, he had trusted Haldir since that night he’d held a knife to his throat and hadn’t hurt him. He trusted him with his very life. His breath was coming faster as he laid waiting and wondering. He felt the rest of his clothing being peeled away, but didn’t open his eyes.

As Faramir moved, Haldir, who was already half aroused from simply carrying Faramir to bed, felt his cock twitch in anticipation. “Don’t move, no matter what,” he said softly. “And do not come until I tell you to.” As he spoke, he settled between his ‘slave’s’ legs on his stomach and propped up on one elbow. With one hand, he reached out and tugged on the delicate sac that hung between Faramir’s legs, rolling the small globes inside in the palm of his hand.

Swallowing hard, Faramir nodded again, not trusting his voice. He took a deep breath and wondered how on all of Arda he was supposed to not come from Haldir’s touch. He jumped slightly when Haldir touched him and hoped that wasn’t part of the ‘don’t move rule’ or he was already doing a poor job. His arms were extended across the bed, and his fingers were pressed flat against it. The feeling of Haldir’s hand touching him was sending spikes of desire throughout him and his arousal began to harden even more.

Haldir smiled and nuzzled against the sac in his hand, letting his breath ghost over the thin skin and his tongue follow close behind. Seeing Faramir struggle to stay still excited him more than he thought it could, and he wondered if Faramir always felt that way when he was in this position. Mouthing each of Faramir’s balls and sucking gently, he let his hand move up to stroke his slave’s rigid length, already feeling the swollen tip began to leak against his thumb. “Tell me how this feels,” he murmured, speaking around the flesh in his mouth. “Tell me if you like it.”

Struggling not to move as he felt warm breath against him, Faramir bit his lip when suddenly a warm mouth was teasing him. It was so much different with his eyes closed as well, he’d never done that before, losing that one sense seemed to make the others heighten. Then Haldir moved again and a low moan fell from his lips. “I do…like it, that is,” he blurted as Haldir questioned him and might have even laughed at himself if he wasn’t so caught up in the sensation. “It…feels wonderful, different with my eyes closed…I…I don’t know where you are heading next so it keeps me curious,” he grinned and tried not to shift his hips as Haldir’s hand stroked him.

Squeezing Faramir’s arousal, Haldir pulled away and licked his lips as he watched his lover. Gods, you’re beautiful…so beautiful… He slipped one finger inside his mouth, wet it thoroughly, and pressed is against the small pucker between Faramir’s widespread legs. “I think I will be heading here next,” he whispered as he let the single digit slide deep inside the tight passage. His own hips were rocking against the bed, moaning as the friction of the bedcovers moved over his own hard shaft. Continuing to stroke with one hand, then curled his finger and found the tiny bundle of nerves inside his lover. “Remember…do not come yet,” he murmured as he worked the finger in and out of the gripping ring of muscles.

Faramir bit back a disappointed moan when Haldir drew away from him, and he waited, wondering where his lover would touch him or kiss him next. He felt a slick finger press against him and automatically he wanted to press back against him but didn’t. When Haldir continued to stroke him and the finger inside delved further, Faramir began to tremble. “Gods…I remember,” he murmured curling his fingers into the blanket beneath him trying his best to concentrate on anything but what he was feeling. It wasn’t working very well but he wouldn’t ruin this with moving, or begging Haldir to allow him anything. Besides, he was curious to see what all his ‘master’ had planned for him tonight.

Haldir pulled his hand away and slicked a second finger before pressing it back in alongside the first. Twisting and scissoring the digits, he felt the tight guardian muscle slowly stretching and decided he would definitely make use of it…Later. Without a word, he pulled his fingers away and gave a final stroke to the organ in his hand then moved away completely, sitting back on his haunches. “I am going to bury myself inside you,” he whispered as he crawled on all fours and leaned over Faramir, pressing their arousals together and nipping gently at neck. “But not yet…first I want that delicious mouth of yours around my cock.” As he spoke, he moved up over his lover until the engorged head of his sex pressed against his lover’s lips. “Open those beautiful lips for me…”

Faramir whimpered when Haldir drew away from him, he felt empty and his body was practically screaming to be touched. He swallowed hard when Haldir said he wanted to bury himself in him, he’d almost nodded in fact but then he’d continued and Faramir licked his lips. When his lover moved up his body and straddled him, his fingers curled more in the covers, resisting the need to wrap his arms around his lover and leaned forward, more than happy to taste his lover. He licked at the head, tasting his lover, before taking Haldir in completely. It was different lying down, and he had no control at all, so he simply used his tongue and throat muscles to pleasure his lover.

Closing his eyes and idly running his fingers through Faramir’s hair, Haldir shifted his hips, taking his slave’s mouth slowly, wanting to make this last as long as possible. One knee rested on each side of his lover’s head and he simply let Faramir pleasure him for long minutes as he moaned in pleasure. Finally, he pulled away, and turned to face the other direction, still straddling his lover’s head, but this time leaning down and taking Faramir’s length into his mouth as well. “I should not be the only one having fun,” he murmured around the swollen flesh and continued shifting his hips. “You can thrust, but nothing else moves, my lovely one…and still no coming until I say so.”

Faramir continued to swallow around his lover, tasting his essence on the back of his tongue and loving it. He wanted to open his eyes, Gods he loved to watch Haldir especially when he was lost in pleasure but he obeyed his ‘master’. After long moments of loving him this way Faramir thought he probably seemed silly when Haldir did finally draw away from him. He’d practically followed him with his mouth, but then he felt his lover change positions and before he could wonder what was next he cried out as a warm mouth sunk around his leaking shaft. He wanted to touch him so badly, to taste the skin on the inside of his thighs that were so close but he’d just been ordered not to move. So he continued what he was doing before, simply working the hard flesh with his tongue and throat.

“Mmmm, you follow orders well,” Haldir observed rather shakily as he licked at Faramir’s cock and continued thrusting between his lips. “And, Gods, you taste delicious…” His breathing was ragged as he took his lover in deep and moaned around him several times before pulling away and resting his hand on Faramir’s hip. “Gods…” He tried to warn his ‘slave’, but the mouth working him was simply too talented for him to hold off any longer. He could sense Faramir was close as well, and pulled back, touching only his hip as he felt his own cock surge and spill within the warm cavern surrounding him. When Faramir came, Haldir wanted it to be mind-blowing, not just a reaction to his own orgasm. No, Haldir wanted Faramir’s full concentration when the time was right.

Faramir smiled inwardly when Haldir complimented him. I am a soldier he thought cheekily and realized it was probably a very good thing his mouth was occupied. All traces of humor disappeared though when Haldir changed angles and forced a low moan from him. His hips, the only part of him allowed to move, thrust into the wet heat of Haldir’s mouth and when his lover drew away warning him, he simply leaned forward, taking him deeper, feeling the velvety flesh throb and pulse within his mouth. He swallowed repeatedly, and his own hips moved, even though Haldir wasn’t touching him now, just craving touch though, needing friction but finding none at all. It was enough to make him almost scream, but he didn’t. He continued to lick and nurse the spent arousal until it slipped from his mouth.

Haldir moaned as his spent organ slid from between his lover’s swollen lips, and moved to lie beside him, touching him everywhere but between his legs at first. “You are so hard,” he murmured as he let his fingertips move lightly over Faramir’s inner thighs and tried to catch his breath in the aftermath of his release. “I am sure you want to come now, don’t you?”

Faramir trembled as Haldir’s hands moved over him, he was gritting his teeth as his hands clenched in the covers until his knuckles were white. “Gods yes,” he murmured. “Please, Haldir…I need you,” he finally allowed himself to beg his lover.

His arousal responded to the need and pure lust in Faramir’s voice, and Haldir moved to lay over him, growing hard again even as their sexes were pressed together. “Kiss me, my lovely one…wrap your arms around me and show me how much you want me.”

Faramir wasted no time at all when Haldir ordered him to wrap his arms around him. They were aching from how tense he’d been but it seemed the ache melted away as soon as his lover was in his arms. His hands moved, tracing down Haldir’s back, to his backside pulling him tight against him, caressing. Faramir kissed him passionately, unsure if Haldir had intended for him to be so controlling with his kiss but his tongue thrust into his lover’s mouth, exploring and tasting him and moaning against his lips.

Grinding their erections together, Haldir lost himself in the kiss, no longer even caring who was master and who was the slave. He was completely hard again in no time, and each time he shifted his hips just right, he could feel the warmth of his lover’s juices seeping out against his skin. Without breaking the kiss, he slipped between Faramir’s legs and pressed his arousal against the opening he’d prepared earlier. His arms slid beneath his slave’s body, holding him close and returning the deep kiss as he slid inside, moaning softly as his flesh was engulfed in silky heat. Warm inner muscles surrounded him as he slowly began to thrust, his low moans lost inside Faramir’s mouth.

He was so hard he ached but Faramir didn’t want to find his release as he ground his hips against Haldir’s, even though he couldn’t seem to stop either. When Haldir shifted between his legs though, Faramir spread them even further and arched against his lover. Please, Gods, please. I need you. I love you. He practically chanted the words in his mind as he felt Haldir press against him and then slide inside. He moaned and sucked on Haldir’s tongue as he moved with his lover.

Haldir couldn’t stop thrusting, and he was already even harder than he had been moments before, slicked with his own fluids and moving with abandon. After several minutes, he slipped one hand between them and wrapped his fingers around his lover’s cock. “Not yet,” he murmured as he pulled back for air, “not yet, a little more…Gods, you always drive me mad with wanting you…” His movements were erratic now, and his balls were slapping against Faramir’s backside as he fisted the organ in his hand. “I cannot wait…come with me, Faramir…come with me now…” With that, he thrust one final time and came hard, coating his lover’s inner muscles with his seed and tightening his fist around Faramir’s flesh as he cried out loudly, one single word again and again – his master’s…or his slave’s…name.

Pulling away from the kiss for the sheer need of breath, Faramir’s arms and legs wrapped tighter around his lover and he whimpered when Haldir wrapped his hand around his cock. He wanted to come, Gods he was aching so much for release. He held on though, aided by the tight fist wrapped around him. Their movements became wilder as they thrust together, and after only a few more minutes, Haldir cried out. He felt the hand around him loosen only a little and then the next sensation was that of his lover pulsing inside him, spilling hot and slick and Faramir cried out Haldir’s name loudly as they rocked together. It seemed that their orgasms lasted forever and Faramir was panting for breath. “Gods, what you do to me…” he whispered kissing Haldir impulsively. Tender little kisses to his lips, cheek, jaw, and then lower to his neck and shoulder.

Relishing each touch of Faramir’s lips over his skin, Haldir returned them one by one, all thoughts of who was the master and who was the slave long gone from his mind as he lowered himself on top of his lover, ignoring the still-warm fluids between them. “And you to me,” he whispered between kisses. “You have no idea…Faramir…none at all.”

Faramir smiled and snuggled against his lover. His hands moved slowly over Haldir’s body now, just tenderly mapping the body of the Elf he loved. “Did…did I do all right? I mean…well obviously we enjoyed ourselves but…” he was at a loss unsure what he wanted to say exactly.

Haldir pressed his lips over Faramir’s before he could continue searching for the words. Slowly, as if they had all the time in the world, he let his tongue explore his lover’s mouth, delving into every crevice and letting his hands soothe and relax the warm, supple body beneath him. “You were perfect,” he murmured when he finally pulled away. “Perfect as always, no matter what we are doing. You make my body react in ways I did not even know it could, Faramir.” Moving over to the side, he pulled his lover against him and snuggled close. “In all my years, I’ve never experienced such bliss as when I am with you. I do not understand why, or how, but it is true. You drive me crazy…in a very, very good way.” And Gods, I am going to miss you so much when I leave Gondor.

Before he could fumble his words anymore, Haldir kissed him tenderly. Faramir allowed his lover to explore at will, and moaned as gentle hands moved over him. When they drew apart again, he sighed softly, feeling unaccountably affectionate toward Haldir. More so it seemed than normal. Faramir found himself smiling as Haldir pulled him close and continued. “I’m glad,” he grinned and looked up at him. “Because you do the same to me.”

Long Elven fingers moved slowly over Faramir’s back as they talked, totally without inhibitions either in their speech or their gentle, almost unconscious touches. It wasn’t normal, being this close with the man who was your master, but at times like these, they seemed to leave the titles of master and slave far behind them. “I am glad you picked me that day,” he confessed. “Out of all the other prisoners, I am glad I was the one you chose. Despite my anger in the beginning, I am feeling almost…content…here, at least within these walls, when it is just us.”

Faramir’s hand rose to sink into Haldir’s hair, brushing it back from his temples. “I couldn’t resist you, the moment I saw you…I wanted you…but it wasn’t just desire as you’d imagine,” he explained softly. “It…was everything about you,” he grinned then, “Your arrogance, the way you met my gaze levelly and glared at me, the way the others told me you fought…the way you argued with me…ordered me around while tied to a chair,” he laughed softly then. “You captivated me, Haldir…and I’m glad you are almost content with me at least…but…we don’t have much longer do we? Only five more months.” His throat seemed to close in on him then and he couldn’t say anything else.

Haldir closed his eyes and shook his head, unaccountably sad at Faramir’s last words. But he certainly couldn’t spend the rest of his life as a slave, knowing that he could be punished for doing or saying the wrong thing in front of someone who could order retribution. What kind of life would that be? No…he had friends and family in Lothlorien, and that should be enough for him. The problem was, he wasn’t entirely sure it was enough anymore. “No, not much longer,” he agreed as he unconsciously pulled Faramir closer. “The last seven months have flown by…and I think the coming five will as well. Then…then I will be free again.” His voice didn’t sound as enthusiastic as it should have, even to his own ears, but there was little he could do about it.

Faramir swallowed hard, and buried his face against Haldir’s neck to try and hide the sudden tears that welled in his eyes. “Then you’ll be free again,” he whispered. And I’ll be alone. He simply held Haldir tightly, and tried to will the tears away before Haldir could see them.

Haldir’s own eyes unaccountably fill with tears at the thought… tears that made no sense at all, unless they were tears of happiness, which they weren’t. “Maybe we could…part as friends or…or see each other sometime outside of Gondor or Lothlórien,” he said softly. “Maybe we could…” His voice trailed off and he realized that he was being ridiculous. He was Faramir’s slave for the Gods’ sakes, not his friend, even though he felt like more sometimes. “Or maybe it would be best if we did not. We might either one be taken prisoner again, and end up someone else’s slave. I do not think either of us would want that.”

Faramir almost had the most insane notion to offer to return to Lórien with Haldir as his slave this time, and with no time limit at that. He stopped himself before he said the words though knowing that he’d never be able to do that without having to sneak out of the city. “My greatest hope is that maybe one day somehow our paths will cross again, but we have time yet…we shouldn’t get so maudlin…we’ve time.”

“Yes, we do,” Haldir said rolling over so he could look down on his lover and forcing his less-than-happy thoughts from his mind. “And technically the night is still young, and you did say you were mine for the evening. I think there are a few more ideas I wouldd like to try out before the evening ends…” As he spoke, he let his hand wander between Faramir’s legs and smiled when he reacted almost at once. “I think it is going to be a long night for you, my beautiful slave, a long night indeed…”

Pushing the sad thoughts away Faramir hoped that Haldir couldn’t still see the lingering sadness in his eyes. Though when a questing hand moved down his body Faramir smiled and moaned when his lover’s hand wrapped around his spent arousal. “Yes, master…” he murmured as he arched into his touch.

Chapter 11

Following his brother through the city, Faramir wondered yet again where Boromir was leading him. “So, where is this place you were talking about needing to go?” Faramir asked yet again.

“You’ll see when we get there,” Boromir said trying not to grin. He was fairly certain Faramir had never visited any place like it before. His little brother had never kept a slave before, and the lovers he had taken in his life prior to Haldir had been what Boromir considered ‘proper’ and he doubted seriously if his brother had any experience with what he was about to show him today.

Of course if Faramir found it to be something he wouldn’t dream of considering, he’d not push him; it was most certainly a private choice and nothing to be pressured in to. But if Faramir was curious, or he had fantasies, then there was certainly no reason he not know what was available to him as a slave owner. Boromir himself certainly hadn’t known until he had taken his first pleasure slave.

Faramir wasn’t satisfied with Boromir’s response but simply followed his brother until they stopped at a building. The sign on the door made Faramir look twice.

“Why…did you bring me to a place like this?” he asked wondering if Boromir realized where they were.

“You have a slave now, and I thought you might be interested in some of the more…interesting things that were available,” Boromir said carefully. “A friend of mine brought me here several months after I took my first slave and honestly you and I haven’t talked in a while, and I have something I need to pick up here, so I thought I’d ask you to come along.”

“You…have something to pick up here?” Faramir asked confused. Boromir didn’t have a pleasure slave, hadn’t in several years, though his involvement with Elreath was common knowledge at least inside the citadel. The idea that sweet, friendly Elreath would be comfortable with anything from such a shop made a strange image come to mind and Faramir blinked. Surely not… Though he had to admit, now he was curious. He’d known others to visit such places, not just slave owners either but he had simply never considered it.

Boromir merely smiled at the confusion on Faramir’s face and opened the door. “I won’t be a moment, if you aren’t interested you can just wait for me,” he explained.

Following his brother inside, Faramir hadn’t known what he expected to see but as far as shops went, it wasn’t terribly unusual. As his eyes roamed around the room though a few items caught his eye and one or two had him tilting his head to the side wondering just what that was used for and more than a few made him feel uncomfortable just to look at. He swallowed hard and followed his brother as he went up to the merchant to speak with him.

Faramir knew he was blushing as he looked at a few things and knew what he imagined them used for were probably exactly right. The shopkeeper left the room for a moment and he looked at Boromir. “Some of it…looks…painful,” he murmured.

Boromir laughed. “Some people enjoy pain, Faramir,” he grinned.

“Doling it out you mean,” he frowned and his brother shook his head.

“Not really, some like it a lot,” Boromir said wondering just how little or much Faramir actually knew about such things.

“I…um,” Faramir frowned. Some small pains could heighten pleasure, he knew that, but he’d always considered using a…contraption, rather than teeth or hands in the heat of the moment to be foolish.

Boromir saw his brother was trying to weigh his ideas against what he saw in the shop and shrugged. “I’m personally not into a great deal of these things…some I find downright disturbing to be honest,” he grinned. “But there are some things that can help make the experience even better than you can imagine.”

“I think I like to be a bit more…spontaneous I guess,” Faramir shrugged not doubting some of the things on display might be interesting but thinking them to be too complicated.

Boromir laughed. “Patience though can make things more fun,” he teased his brother and enjoyed the fresh blush that stained Faramir’s cheeks. “At any rate I’m here to get something I requested, not force you to buy anything.”

When the shopkeeper returned, Boromir went over to talk to him and Faramir looked around a little. He found himself shaking his head at most of the things on display thinking them simply too much until his eyes landed on one item. He’d always been curious what it would be like to be slightly disconnected from what he was doing with a lover, watching their pleasure and forcing himself to wait as he did so. He swallowed hard as an image flashed before his minds eye of Haldir spread before him. Would he enjoy such a thing? Would he truly find pleasure in it? He stepped closer and looked at the display. There were several phalluses there of varying sizes a few made Faramir’s eyes widen, he certainly didn’t think those would be very pleasurable, but a few of them drew his interest.

“Find something you like?” Boromir asked as he walked up behind his brother.

Faramir startled and glared at him for a moment. “I was merely curious,” he explained.

Boromir grinned. “I have several,” he said softly. “They truly do make things more interesting.”

Before Faramir could stop himself the words were out of his mouth. “I would think an Elleth would prefer the real thing.”

Boromir laughed and shook his head. “Oh she does, for the most part, though I was talking about myself,” he said softly and waited for the realization to dawn on his brother.

Faramir’s eyes widened and he laughed before he could stop himself. “That’s a bit more information about my brother than I think I wanted,” he chuckled again as Boromir did.

“I’m sure you aren’t that surprised,” Boromir murmured drawing a nod from Faramir. “If you are curious though why don’t you go ahead and get one…if you decide it isn’t what you want, then you don’t have to use it,” he shrugged.

Considering his brother’s words, Faramir glanced back at the display and after a few moments he decided Boromir was right. The image that kept flashing in his mind seemed to help the idea along of course, and finally he decided Boromir was right. Just because he got one it didn’t mean they had to use it. Though bringing up the idea with Haldir was another matter all together. It wasn’t something he wanted to do without Haldir’s consent. Of course that was ridiculous in the scheme of things. Haldir was his slave and should submit to whatever Faramir desired of him but he’d never been like that with him. After a few more minutes of thought he finally decided and purchased the phallus, though he was still uncertain he would ever actually use it or even let Haldir know he had it. It seemed silly to him, though the curiosity it sparked in him was undeniable. He glanced at a few other items and almost considered some sturdy, yet very soft leather restraints but decided against it. It all just seemed too…planned to him. The times he had commanded Haldir had all been spur of the moment.

As they walked back to the citadel, Faramir felt uncomfortable and decided he would simply put the thing away. It was silly wasn’t it? Though he couldn’t seem to get the fantasy out of his head now, each time it was more fully developed flashes in his mind and by the time he did reach home he was half aroused and the phallus was certainly forgotten as soon as his lips met Haldir’s.

It had been several days since Faramir had gone to the marketplace with Boromir, but he’d never brought up what he’d purchased with Haldir. He’d laughed at himself a few times when wondering how exactly did one broach the subject so he supposed that it would just have to somehow just become a part of their lovemaking. The problem was when he became intimate with Haldir he simply forgot everything else. Plus a part of him wasn’t entirely sold on the idea yet he supposed. He’d much rather touch Haldir himself, feel his body react to him and nothing else, though he had to admit he was curious.

Ever since buying it the fantasy had invaded his dreams, his subconscious mind seemed to be absolutely fine with the idea and the scenarios that played through his mind at night often made him turn to his slave in the dark and they would make love until they were exhausted again.

This night seemed to be no different than the last several had been. Faramir awoke from a vivid dream, hard and aching for his lover, but this time…he decided to finally act upon what he’d dreamed.

Pulling Haldir close against him, Faramir began to kiss and nip at his neck, and then moved to nibble on his earlobe. His tongue licked up and around the shell to the elegant tip. He wanted to whisper words of love so many times the last months that he’d simply had to remain silent much of the time when they were like this.

The sweet kisses and grazes of his master’s teeth over his skin made Haldir shiver in his sleep even before he was fully awake. His hands automatically caressed the arms wrapped around him, and pressed his hips back, snuggling closer and feeling Faramir’s already hard length pressing against the cleft of his backside. “Mmmmm….feels like somebody had a very, very good dream,” he murmured as his eyes fluttered open and he arched his neck to give his lover better access.

“You have no idea,” Faramir teased as he pulled Haldir even closer. “Gods, I love the way you fit against me,” he murmured as his lips fastened on his lover’s neck. Once he finally drew back from marking the pale flesh, a flash of his dream seemed to spin through his mind. He bit his lip for a moment wondering if he should ask or simply tell Haldir what he wanted. He started to speak the words as a request or even a suggestion but instead the words came out as an order. “Get on your knees and face the head of the bed.”

Haldir stretched and practically purred as Faramir moved against him, already ready to feel Faramir’s length sliding inside his passage, which was still slick and open from their lovemaking only a few hours before. Instead, when he heard the order fall from his master’s lips, he smiled and shivered in anticipation at this new turn of events. He knew Faramir was sometimes reluctant to give him orders, but Gods, Haldir loved it, despite himself at times like these. “Yes, my Lord,” he murmured as he paused only long enough to bring Faramir’s hand to his lips and kiss the back of his knuckles. Now fully awake, he did as he’d been told, resting his hands on the headboard and wondering if he would be allowed to look over his shoulder and see what Faramir had in mind or not.

Faramir almost regretted the order when cool air hit him as Haldir moved away to follow his command. Getting up on his knees himself, he decided that the moonlight wasn’t enough for this; he wanted to see Haldir clearly. He slipped off the bed and when Haldir’s eyes followed him Faramir shook his head. “Keep looking straight ahead,” he said as he lit a single lamp that cast a soft glow across the room. Haldir was relaxed though, simply waiting on Faramir’s next order and he felt his heart swell in his chest from the amount of trust his lover had in him. He looked away from Haldir for a moment and spied the soft velvet sashes tied around the curtains. A small smile played on his lips as he quickly untied them and returned to the bed. The headboard was tall, and the posts on the bed were slender but almost touched the ceiling. He crawled onto the bed behind Haldir, unable to resist pressing his body against his lover’s as his hands traveled down first the right arm, caressing until he came to his lover’s wrist. He kissed Haldir’s shoulder. “You do trust me?” he whispered as he looped the soft velvet around pale skin.

Haldir turned his head and pressed a kiss to Faramir’s cheek. Without the slightest hesitation, he answered. “Absolutely.” He had no idea where this was leading, but he was certain that they would both enjoy it. Faramir was a completely unselfish lover and master, oftentimes giving even more than he took.

When Haldir assured him, Faramir felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him. He’d always known that his slave would only ever find pleasure in what he did with him, but knowing Haldir trusted him was an incredible feeling. He looped the soft fabric around his wrist and then tied it to the bedpost. It was taut, and maybe even a slight stretch for Haldir’s arm, but he’d make sure he certainly felt no lingering pain. He moved to the other side, giving the other arm the same treatment and then sat back on his heels. The image before him made his breath quicken. Haldir on his knees, his arms spread, the rich crimson velvet around his wrists the only thing on him. Gods he was beautiful. “I wish you could see how beautiful you are,” he murmured as he leaned forward. He pulled Haldir’s hair aside and kissed and nibbled on his shoulder for only a few moments while his hands slid down to his lover’s hips. “Spread wider for me,” he whispered, smiling as he felt his lover tremble.

A soft moan fell from Haldir’s lips as Faramir restrained him for the first time. To give up complete control, to be, for all intents and purposes, completely helpless, made his arousal fill and grow even harder. He spread his legs as far as possible, exposing himself to his master’s eyes, wondering what on all of Arda Faramir had dreamed about, to make him want this, and hoping he would have that dream again and again in the coming months. As he shifted, he could feel a thin trail of Faramir’s release trickle from inside him, down his right thigh as he opened up even further under Faramir’s command. He tested his bonds, found them to be secure, and once again felt the fire build in his groin.

Faramir grinned as he moved away from Haldir again and saw him tug at the ties around his arms. He was certain it wasn’t to try to get away at all and slowly slid off the bed again. The anticipation was as much torture for him as it was for Haldir. He looked to the drawer where he’d hidden his purchase that day and swallowed hard. Should he use it? Would Haldir be offended by it or accept and enjoy? So far everything they’d done, every small command Faramir had issued over the months, Haldir had followed without question and truly did seem to enjoy. He moved to the chest and opened it, withdrawing the cloth wrapped item and then grinned as he saw a feather quill laying nearby. He grabbed it as well and returned to the bed. He set the items aside and let his hands move down Haldir’s thighs. “Would you rather I blindfold you or can you keep your eyes closed for me?” he asked softly, letting his hands roam and rubbing his body against his lover’s.

Knowing it would be an effort to keep his eyes closed, but also knowing it was a matter of pride to be able to do as he was ordered, Haldir leaned his head forward, and took a deep breath to calm himself. “I’ll keep them closed if you wish me to,” he said simply.

Faramir smiled as Haldir spoke and pressed a gentle kiss against his shoulder. With that Faramir picked up the feather and let it ghost slowly from the point where the velvet tie was around Haldir’s wrist up to his shoulder, grinning as he heard the sharp intake of breath and watched as gooseflesh pebbled on his arm. He continued, around his shoulder, down his back to his rear and lower on his thigh, brushing just inside against the smooth flesh there before moving up his back to trace a path to his other wrist. He could feel Haldir trembling, and his own hands weren’t very steady either, he realized. Gods, this truly was as much torture for him as it was for Haldir, he was sure of it now.

Haldir struggled to keep his eyes closed, but there was nothing he could do about the way his body was reacting to the incredibly light and soft touch moving over his skin. It was more erotic that he would have thought possible, and his bound hands clenched into fists as Faramir started on his other arm and moved down. He hadn’t been told not to talk, he remembered, as a soft whimper fell from his lips. His hips moved back, trying to get more of the delicious touch that was slowly driving him mad, but the pressure stayed the same – light and featherlike, too little to cause any friction, too much to ignore. “Faramir…Gods…”

Faramir grinned wickedly as Haldir’s body moved, trying to gain more contact with the soft feather dancing over his skin. Faramir moved closer, letting his body press against his lover and moaning softly as he wrapped his arms around Haldir. He dragged the feather down to ghost over his chest and further downward. His other hand slid down and stroked the hard leaking arousal that curved proudly up toward Haldir’s stomach. “Remember, you cannot come until I tell you to,” he whispered feeling his slave’s body tremble against him as his hand stroked him a few more times and then dropped away. His eyes moved to the still wrapped phallus and he decided that he would use it, but if Haldir didn’t enjoy it he wouldn’t continue. He reached for the oil, even though Haldir was probably still slick and open from their earlier activities he wanted to make absolutely sure he didn’t hurt him. Setting the oil and feather beside him on the bed, Faramir unwrapped it and coated the smooth surface well. “Spread your legs wider,” he whispered softly and then pressed the tip against Haldir. It was cool, and he felt his lover move away automatically for a moment before he relaxed a little.

Fully expecting Faramir’s length to fill him, Haldir was completely unprepared for the unfamiliar and unforgiving hardness that pressed against him. He was surprised, but remembered his earlier statement…he trusted Faramir completely. His nerves were already on edge from simply having his lover draped over him and the light, teasing touch of what felt like a feather or soft piece of fabric. Gods, he wanted this, wanted to do whatever would make Faramir happy, but the very idea of his master using some kind of phallus on him made his already aching arousal all the harder. His legs spread wider, opening himself up completely and his hips arched up, inviting Faramir to use him in whatever manner he wanted.

Haldir’s reaction made Faramir’s arousal throb almost painfully, just watching him open to him, trust him so much was so incredibly erotic. He pressed forward with the phallus slowly, letting Haldir’s body grow accustomed to it. A part of him wanted to confess how many days he’d wanted to do this, but he remained silent, just enjoying the sound of Haldir’s harsh breaths and soft moans. He leaned forward, sealing his lips against Haldir’s neck and sucking hard as he pressed the phallus deeper and then paused waiting for Haldir’s body to adjust.

Haldir moaned, as his body was slowly breeched and stretched around the thick object. He wondered what it was, where Faramir had gotten it, and why he’d waited this long to use it. But the combination of being filled so completely combined with the sensation of being marked by his lover was making it difficult to think…not to mention his arousal, which was now incredibly hard and dripping onto the sheets beneath him. His body spasmed around the phallus, then slowly relaxed as his head fell back onto Faramir’s shoulder, smiling as the warm mouth sucking on his neck never relented. “Gods, Faramir, yes…”

Emboldened by Haldir’s words and his tone, Faramir began to slowly move, angling just a little to brush against his lover’s sweet spot with each stroke. Giving one final lick to Haldir’s neck, Faramir sat back on his heels for a moment, trying to control his own breathing and watching as the thick object slid in and almost completely out of his lover’s body. He hadn’t realized just how erotic it truly would be, but also the desire that it be him inside Haldir was almost overwhelming. Leaning forward again he continued to move the phallus inside his lover, while his other hand snaked around to his arousal stroking him slowly and squeezing tightly each time he felt Haldir begin to tense. “Not yet…I’ve still more in mind for you, my lo…lovely one,” he whispered biting his lip against his near slip.

Haldir could only whimper in frustration as he was brought so close to the edge again and again, only to have Faramir’s hand stop him from going over the edge. “Yes, my Lord,” he finally managed, even as he pressed his hips back and took the phallus in even deeper. It was now a constant struggle both to keep his eyes closed and not to come, and every nerve in his body felt as if it were on fire. The hard object delved inside his passage, brushing over his prostate and causing him to moan each time it was almost completely withdrawn, then pushed firmly back in.

Faramir forced himself to go slowly, to draw this out as long as possible but each moan drawn from his lover went straight to his own sex. He throbbed even harder when Haldir answered him, and steadily continued until he was the one who couldn’t stand it any longer. Leaning back again he watched as the phallus slid inside his lover and then reached down and coated his fingers with oil again, reaching behind himself, it took concentration, but he continued pleasuring Haldir even as his own fingers slid inside himself, preparing him for later. He fully intended to take Haldir, but he wanted his lover to find his final release inside of him. After several long moments, he slowly withdrew the thick object and lay it aside and wasted no time in moving forward, gripping Haldir’s hips with both hands and pushing inside him quickly, moaning as the heat surrounded him.

“Oh Gods…” As good as the phallus had felt moving inside of Haldir, it was nothing compared to the way Faramir’s heated length filled him. He struggled momentarily with his bonds, forgetting that he was restrained, wanting to place his hands on his lover’s hip and draw him in even deeper. His own aching arousal jerked and leaked again at the realization of how helpless he was, how fully under his lover’s command. Shifting his hips, he rocked back against Faramir, spreading his legs so wide the muscles on the insides of his thighs ached, but allowing him to open up even further to his master. “Please…” It was the only word he could manage, but his inner muscles massaged Faramir’s length and he hoped he would be allowed to come soon, as he wasn’t sure he could even last beyond his lover’s first few thrusts unless he was commanded to.

Moaning as his aching length was buried deep again and again, Faramir wrapped his arm around his lover. He could feel Haldir shaking with pent up desire and knew he was close to losing control. Faramir’s hand closed tight around his lover’s arousal that was hot and hard against his palm. “Just a little longer,” he whispered kissing a strong shoulder and continuing to pound into him. It wasn’t long at that pace before Faramir’s release built, and almost without warning it slammed into him. He cried out Haldir’s name over and over again as his hips continued to pump, wringing out the last of his orgasm.

Haldir would have come more than once had it not been for Faramir’s fingers around him, despite his best efforts at holding back. His eyes were still closed, but he could see white stars flashing behind his eyelids as his lover slammed into his sweet spot again and again with startling accuracy. He could do little other than moan and whimper each time he felt his cock surge, his release stopped only by his master’s hand squeezing him too tightly to let even a drop escape. Faramir had always been a generous lover, though, and Haldir knew he would make this worth the wait when he finally was allowed to come, so he bit back his pleas for mercy and concentrated on making this as good for Faramir as he could. As soon as he felt the flesh inside him begin to swell even more, he squeezed his inner muscles hard around the pulsing organ, concentrating on Faramir’s release instead of his own long-denied one.

Faramir was panting as he rested his forehead against Haldir’s shoulder and trembled each time his lover’s muscles contracted around his now spent arousal. “Gods,” he breathed as he leaned back and slid from inside his lover. He knew Haldir was probably aching for his own release, and Faramir moved. The way he’d positioned Haldir on the bed had kept him well away from the headboard itself, so he slipped under his lover’s arm to kneel in front of him. Before Haldir could say anything though he whispered. “Keep your eyes closed just a little longer and wait for me.” Faramir reached out and untied one of Haldir’s arms and then the other and then reached back and positioned his lover at his entrance. “Now, open your eyes,” he whispered.

Whimpering at the loss of Faramir’s length inside him, Haldir struggled once again to obey and keep his eyes closed. He could feel his lover moving around on the bed, and then his hands were released one by one. When he was finally allowed to open his eyes, he saw that his sex was dripping steadily against the wrinkled skin of Faramir’s entrance, which already looked open and ready for him. He pressed the swollen head against the small opening and gripped his lover’s hips hard, forcing himself not to plunge inside the welcoming heat just yet. “You are…ready for me?” His voice was ragged and his nerves were on edge, but Haldir couldn’t stand the thought of hurting him, or taking him unprepared, though at the moment, it was almost killing him. As he spoke, he shifted his hips, smearing his own juices over his lover’s entrance, ready to push his way inside completely if, indeed, Faramir was ready.

“Yes, take me,” Faramir whispered almost biting his tongue against an endearment that almost fell from his lips. It amazed him actually that Haldir had so much restraint and touched him realizing that even in his need, Haldir wouldn’t risk hurting him. His lover wasted no time after his whispered words of consent and Faramir moaned and clutched at the headboard as his lover plunged inside him, stretching his muscles even more and filling him so completely. Faramir’s head tipped back in bliss as he shifted his hips with his lover, spreading his legs wider.

Haldir cried out as he was buried balls-deep inside his lover in one hard thrust. Still tight guardian muscles gripped the root of his cock and he waited as long as he could for the muscles to adjust. When Faramir opened his legs wider, however, it pushed the golden Elf almost to the breaking point. He began to thrust hard and deep, his fingers digging into Faramir’s skin to hold him steady, his movements so powerful, he seemed to be moving his master’s entire body inch by inch closer to the headboard. His release had been denied for so long, and he’d stayed so close to the edge without coming, it took him almost no time at all to wrap his arms around his lover and give one final, almost brutal thrust before his arousal jerked violently and spurted his release inside his lover, filling his passage with such force that it began to leak out around his cock as Haldir’s hips continued to move back and forth slowly, drawing out his orgasm for as long as he could. His arms had somehow managed to wrap tightly around Faramir, holding him close, and his movements became almost languorous as he nuzzled against his lover’s neck and whispered Elvish endearments that he didn’t even know he was using.

Faramir’s knuckles were white where he gripped the headboard, and he arched his back, giving his lover even more access. Gods, as incredible as it always was with Haldir, he loved this. Loved the abandon with which he was taken. He ground his hips back against his lover, and moaned when he felt Haldir’s cock pulse and surge inside him, spilling deep within. Gods I love you so much. He swallowed hard, wondering what his lover was saying in Elvish and rested his forehead against the headboard. He thought about the fact they had so little time left and felt his eyes burn. “That was…amazing,” he whispered softly. He still wondered what Haldir thought about the phallus, it was obvious he enjoyed it of course…but…he still wasn’t sure.

Resting his head between Faramir’s shoulders, Haldir licked a long, wet trail up his spine, tasting the salty sweetness of his skin even as he panted for breath. He still hadn’t even realized all the sweet words he’d said, words that had simply came naturally as he held Faramir and made love to him, words that would have shocked him had he taken the time to think about them. After a moment, he carefully pulled out of his lover and lay down. Not even thinking that he should have waited to be told what to do, he simply smiled up at Faramir and opened his arms to him, wanting nothing more than to simply hold him for a while as they both came down from their orgasms. “Amazing is definitely one word for it,” he murmured sleepily. “Incredible and erotic and delicious are a few others that come to mind…”

Faramir shuddered as he felt his lover withdraw from him, and he moved into Haldir’s arms easily. They were both covered in sweat and sticky release, and the bed was in not much better shape. “I…I’m glad you liked it then,” he whispered and then tipped his head up to look at Haldir. “I have been dreaming of this for several days now…and only tonight had the courage to go through with it,” he admitted.

Haldir’s fingers combed through his lover’s damp hair as he smiled. “But Faramir…why did you need courage? You could have ordered me to do this months ago, and I would have. Don’t get me wrong…I loved it. It felt amazing, and erotic and was a good preparation for what I really wanted – namely you – but I am your pleasure slave, and even if I didn’t want it, I’d have little choice in the matter.”

“I know, but you also know I would never force anything on you that you may not want or enjoy when we are intimate. I was afraid you might find it…ridiculous or too strange. My fantasies often stay just that, because I am too…afraid of them being too much,” Faramir whispered honestly. Perhaps if he hadn’t fallen in love with Haldir it also might not make so much difference. Haldir was right he was his slave and he could command him to do anything he wanted, the problem was Faramir loved him and couldn’t command him, at least not that way. How did he ever manage to have this happen?

Haldir rolled over until he was looking down at Faramir, still cradling his lover’s head in the crook of his arm. Before he said a word, he leaned down and kissed him, a long, slow kiss that he put even more of his heart into than he realized. When he finally pulled away, he let his hand gently cup Faramir’s cheek and smiled down at him. “It wasn’t ridiculous or strange – I loved it. I want to know all your fantasies, Faramir…every single one of them, and I’d love nothing more than to play them all out with you, down to the last detail, no matter what they involve…as long as they don’t involve another person, that is. Otherwise, nothing would make me happier than to know the side of you you’ve kept hidden from everyone else – even me – for so long.”

Unsure of the glimmer he saw in Haldir’s eyes, Faramir soon found himself lost in the sweetest kiss he’d ever known. After long moments they finally parted again, and Faramir’s lips tingled from the deep kiss, the first they’d shared since earlier that night. He grinned when Haldir said as long ‘as they don’t involve another person’, amused at the possessiveness of his slave and remembering that night of the festival. There were still some things he was unsure about, things a master didn’t allow a slave, even if he did allow much with Haldir that others wouldn’t he couldn’t possibly ask Haldir to do those things—to him. “Then I will try to not hide so much,” he grinned. The room was starting to get brighter and Faramir realized he’d kept Haldir up much of the night.

Haldir smiled and kissed the tip of Faramir’s nose before sliding down in bed and resting his head on his lover’s shoulder. He’d been trained to remember that pleasure slaves were to be held if their master wished it, not to be the one doing the holding. Gods, he loved holding Faramir though, but already he’d stepped as close to the line between slave and lover as he dared, basically demanding that no one else be welcomed into their bed, so he thought he’d better play it safe for now. He pulled the edge of the blanket up and cleaned Faramir, then himself, before snuggling close and draping one leg possessively over his lover’s. “Good…I know it’s not my place, but I don’t like it when you hide things from me,” he whispered as he nuzzled against Faramir’s neck. “I like knowing everything about you.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir spoke. “You know more about me than anyone else on Arda,” he whispered softly. Faramir loved the way Haldir would lay over him, the way he seemed to want to touch him as much as he could. Unlike the way he’d seen some slaves with their master’s who looked as if their owners very touch made them want to cringe away but they forced themselves not to. Haldir had never done that with Faramir, even early on he’d accepted his touch and even craved it. He wrapped his arms around his lover and simply held him, listening to the world outside their window coming alive.

Chapter 12

“He’s nothing special, really,” Denethor said to his companion as they walked through the great hall. “He’s not unattractive, I admit, but he’s disobedient, and arrogant. I personally don’t see what Faramir sees in him.”

Haldir, who was only a few feet away, heard every word clearly. He couldn’t have cared less what Faramir’s father thought of him, and actually preferred that the vile man disliked him so thoroughly. Turning his attention back to his book, he shook his head and forced himself not to roll his eyes. He knew the steward was trying to goad him into saying something – he did that often, when he wasn’t pointedly ignoring him – but for the most part, Haldir had been able to hold his tongue. Denethor had made cutting remarks about Haldir’s appearance, his attitude, his clothes, Elves in general, almost everything he could think of to try and get the blond Elf to lose his temper. So far, he’d failed, thankfully, as Haldir didn’t relish the thoughts of a public punishment, and had managed to stay silent.

Today, however, Denethor was in an exceptionally foul mood, and being ignored by his youngest son’s pleasure slave only made him angrier. “Of course Faramir always has been a foolish boy,” he continued, still trying to find the one subject that would make Haldir lose all control. He saw Haldir’s lips form a thin line and knew he’d finally touched a nerve. Of all things to anger the blond creature, who would have figured that speaking of his master was the one thing that would work? “He’s such a disappointment, that boy. Always with his nose in a book, or wanting to talk and negotiate, rather than simply take charge and kill whoever is in his way.” He looked up, saw Haldir’s face was now flushed a dark pink, and smiled. “I wish my late wife had never had a second child. Our first was perfect, our second nothing more than a mistake.”

Haldir stood, his book forgotten, hands clenched at his side. Denethor had no right, no right at all to speak of Faramir in such a manner. He wants to punish you…don’t give him the satisfaction.

Denethor was speaking quite loudly now, thrilled to have finally found Haldir’s weak spot. “I’d wager his slave would prefer someone stronger….someone better…to master him, anyone other than Faramir…”

Haldir’s shoulders drew back as he quickly moved to stand before Denethor. “I have never wished for another master,” he said softly, though there was an underlying steeliness in his voice as he spoke.

“Oh, the slave speaks!” Denethor laughed even as his companion, a nobleman who was content to follow the steward around and concur with anything he said in the hopes of getting a seat on the council, nodded in agreement. “Though you haven’t been given leave to open you mouth…unless, of course, you want to use it to bring me a little of the pleasure Faramir probably doesn’t even demand you give him. He really deserves seconds, I think, not firsts…”

“He deserves a little respect from his own father!” Haldir’s voice was louder than he’d meant it to be, catching the attention of several others in the hallway. “And I would rather be beaten to death rather than touch you.”

“Oh, is that so?” Denethor smirked. “Quite attached to my worthless son, aren’t you? I wouldn’t waste my time. He’s not worth it.”

“Faramir is worth more than a pathetic old man like you could even fathom,” Haldir ground out.

Denethor’s eyes flashed and he didn’t even notice the crowd that had gathered around them…his eldest son included. He grabbed Haldir’s shoulder and leaned close enough so that the Elf could hear him clearly. “He doesn’t deserve your loyalty, you know,” he hissed, squeezing hard enough to bruise fair skin as Haldir stiffened visibly. “He doesn’t deserve anything…not even to live in my home, my city…my presence. Besides Boromir, the only blessing I can count is that my beloved wife didn’t live to see what a disappointment her son has turned out to be.”

Haldir’s fists clenched at his sides, and it was all he could do not to attack the steward. He’d never been so angry in all his life, and thought at that moment, he could easily kill the old man. “The only blessing you can really count is that I would not shame Faramir by killing you, you old fool! I suggest you remember that. I have no wish to make my master an orphan.”

It was only then that Denethor realized he had an audience. He stood taller and pretended he had no idea why the insolent slave before him would make such a threat.

Faramir returned to the dining hall after speaking to one of his men in the hall. He’d felt a little off kilter all day it seemed. Originally he and Haldir had plans to go riding but then he was informed his father requested him to come to a lunch meeting, he said that Faramir could bring his slave and they could leave afterwards for whatever plans he had. Denethor hadn’t liked the idea of Faramir taking his slave out like that, but he was a beautiful one so he figured his son just wanted to show off his property.

When Faramir entered the room though it was completely silent. Servants seemed to be almost frozen in place, and Haldir and Denethor were standing at the table, both glaring at one another. Faramir looked around and saw a distinctly uncomfortable look on Boromir’s face as well and wondered just what had transpired. “I’m sorry for the interruption…I…is something…wrong?”

Denethor never broke his gaze with Haldir as his youngest son spoke. “Your slave is being insolent,” he said, his voice shaking with fury. “He was just about to apologize to me and tell me he was wrong, then beg my forgiveness for daring to even disagree with his superiors.” One hand reached out and his fist curled in Haldir’s hair, jerking the Elf forward. “Say it…say you were a fool to disagree with me, and that you know I’m right.”

Haldir’s fingers were clenched around the edge of the table, and he was struggling not to simply overturn it and smash it against the wall…or against Denethor’s head. “I was NOT wrong, and I am not apologizing,” he said through gritted teeth. “You are a fool, Denethor, and unworthy of even saying the word ‘steward’…or father….let alone actually being either one of them!”

Denethor jerked Haldir’s head forward again, causing the Elf to have to bite his tongue to keep from yelping. He wouldn’t give Denethor the satisfaction, however, and kept his mouth firmly closed. “Do you know what the punishment for speaking to me in such a manner is? Would you really prefer a public flogging or a night with the guards rather than admit that I’m right?”

Despite the pain in Haldir’s head where the hair was literally being pulled from his scalp, he tilted his head up until his gaze met that of Faramir’s father again. “Yes. A thousand times…yes.”

Faramir stepped forward as soon as he saw his father reach forward and grab Haldir. The fury that raced through him at the sight nearly blinded him and truly the only thing that stopped him from making a worse mess of things by protecting Haldir was his brother’s hand on his arm holding him back. His mouth dropped open as his father threatened Haldir and he nearly groaned when Haldir refused to apologize. “Please…I…” clearing his throat he attempted again. “Give me a moment please to speak with him, father,” he said as carefully as he possibly could. Boromir released his arm and Faramir took Haldir’s hand even as Denethor released the golden Elf roughly.

Haldir’s anger at Denethor bloomed as Faramir so carefully pulled him away. Faramir….so kind and gentle, and his own father practically hated him for exactly that. God, the man was vile…and stupid. Faramir deserved so much more. And there was no way Haldir could possibly tell Faramir what he and Denethor had argued about, or what his father had said about him. Massaging his scalp with his free hand, he followed his master to a dark corner where no one could hear them. “I am sorry, my Lord, but I cannot take back what I said…and I cannot tell him he is right, because it would be a lie.”

Faramir sighed when Haldir spoke. “Even if it is a lie certainly it would be better than being punished?” he asked and saw the answering defiance in Haldir’s eyes. “Please…just apologize and we can forget this, I don’t….I don’t want you to be punished.”

After making sure no one could see them, Haldir reached down and entwined his fingers with Faramir’s, giving them a gentle squeeze. “It would be more of a punishment for me to agree with his words,” he said softly. “Please, Faramir…I will accept whatever punishment that is ordered…but I cannot tell him he’s right.”

Feeling his heartache from the soft words Faramir shook his head. He realized that he couldn’t force Haldir to apologize, well he possibly could force him but he’d never really forced his slave to do anything he didn’t wish to. He closed his eyes for a moment and moved closer. “I do not want to punish you…will…will you accept the guards?” he asked not liking the idea but thinking it would be better for them both.

Haldir shook his head at once and forced a grim smile to his face. “I would rather be whipped.” The smile miracleously stayed in place as he continued. “I will be fine, my Lord. I would rather come to you with bruises and welts than dirtied by the touch and seed of the guards. You deserve better than that.” He shivered at the thought and looked directly into Faramir’s eyes. “Please understand…this is for the best for all concerned. Surely you have whipped a slave before, even if it was not your own?”

Faramir shook his head, both at the idea of having to whip Haldir and his question. “No. No I haven’t…I…I’ve never needed to,” he admitted. “Gods, I don’t want to hurt you…but the only other choice would be father doing it…and…we both know he’d be more harsh than me.” He shuddered and sighed heavily. “You’re sure you don’t want to reconsider apologizing though?”

Remembering Denethor’s words about Faramir, Haldir didn’t hesitate to answer. “I am sure. I would not give him the satisfaction and I would sooner cut out my tongue than tell him he is right.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. “I am sorry Faramir, Gods, I hate doing this to you, but in this case, I see no other way around it. I will be fine, I promise.”

Faramir sighed heavily and tipped his head up to look at the high ceiling for a moment. “All right. I….I don’t want to do this, but I don’t have a choice. Please…please understand that I don’t want to hurt you and I won’t find pleasure in this,” he whispered before taking Haldir’s hand and leading him back to the others.

“I’ve spoken with him, and he will be flogged. And I will do it myself,” he announced more strongly than he felt at least.

Denethor’s anger was tempered a bit by the smug smile that touched his lips for a moment before turning back into his usual grimace. “And you will do it well, Faramir. If I see that you aren’t putting your arm into it, I’ll add a dozen lashes of my own. Do I make myself clear?” His eyes regarded Haldir with distain, though he couldn’t deny he would appreciate seeing the Elf naked and writhing beneath the whip. He’d always been too bold, and Faramir had always been too lenient with him – introducing him as if he were worthy of notice, smiling at him, taking him out in public! It was ridiculous, and, he thought, this would be a good lesson for them both.

Faramir nodded when his father spoke. “Yes, I will do it properly,” he said trying to keep the nervousness from his voice. He knew better than to ask to do it privately, he knew his father wanted to watch. “Where would you like the punishment to take place?” he asked not wanting to delay. “I would like to get this over with if you don’t mind, father.”

Smirking as Haldir had the nerve to look him right in the eye without wavering, Denethor pointed to the courtyard just outside of the window. “I think we have a sufficient crowd for a public flogging, so let’s make our way outside to the punishment cross, shall we? I see no reason to wait either…it’s past time for your little toy to learn his place in my city.”

Faramir swallowed hard, wishing yet again that he didn’t have to do this. “Fine,” he said biting his tongue against his father’s words. He squeezed Haldir’s hand encouragingly and led him outside to where his father liked to observe punishments that were doled out. Faramir had never really come there that often, only a few times when ordered to. He led Haldir to the iron cross and looked around almost helpless for a moment when Boromir walked up.

“Don’t try to go lightly, don’t try to hold back, you’ll hurt him worse,” his brother advised softly. He held out the leather bindings for Haldir’s wrists and Faramir looked down. “I’m not sure I can do this,” he whispered feeling his stomach churn.

“You will not need those,” Haldir said quietly as he looked at the restraints. “If Lord Faramir orders me to stay still, I can assure you I will.” His gaze turned to Faramir and despite the fact that his brother was standing so close, Haldir leaned against him for a moment as he began to undress. “I promise, my Lord, I will be fine.” Several of the guards had gathered around them, asking Haldir to reconsider, promising to show him pleasure if he would change his mind and stay with them, as they had seldom seen such a fair Elf. Haldir, however ignored them, as he toed off his boots and let his breeches slide down his legs. He was now completely naked before half the city, it seemed, and his face flushed with shame.

Faramir swallowed hard as Haldir said that he would stay still if he ordered him to. He nodded. “Then you won’t wear them,” he said unable to bring himself to make it a direct command. Boromir backed away, bowing his head slightly a sign of honor to Haldir that would be imperceptible to the others gathered further away.

When Haldir leaned against him to remove his boots, Faramir simply stood there, normally he couldn’t look away from Haldir when he undressed but this time he found he couldn’t look at him at all. His eyes stayed downcast and simply waited as his slave undressed. When he was done, Faramir took his hands and led Haldir to the iron cross, placing his hands on the upper brace himself. “I’m sorry,” he whispered for only Haldir to hear and then gently gathered his hair, sweeping it over his shoulder to expose his back before moving away.

While Haldir still refused to even consider taking back the words he’d said to Denethor, he wished he could spare Faramir the task of punishing him. He’d rather anyone else have done it, because he knew full well that this wouldn’t be easy on his master. Haldir was fairly certain that Faramir cared for him almost as one would care for a friend. He knew he was only a slave, but he couldn’t discount all the time he and his master had laughed together, had relaxed and simply pleasured one another, rather than having the slave only pleasure the man he was bound so serve. His fingers wrapped around the brace and he shivered as his hair was swept to one side by still gentle fingers. He wanted to apologize to Faramir, but before he could, Faramir had stepped away. A guard set up a long wooden bar in front of Haldir and secured it away from the cross, pushing his hips back so that his backside was even more exposed and his arms strained to hold on to the braces. The position offered the slave being punished no space to maneuver, no where to go when he would automatically seek a moment’s respite from the whip.

Faramir simply stood back and waited. It was silent in the courtyard, the on lookers knowing that they had never seen Faramir punish a slave before. He’d always been one to defend them, to speak against punishments and now he was here before them. “Here and remember, don’t try to hold back. Control your blows, direct them, but don’t try to pull back or the lash will cut deeper,” Boromir whispered as he handed the whip to his brother. He knew Faramir hated this; he too hated it and had rarely whipped his slaves though on occasion had no choice. “Just remember, Haldir asked for this…and not the guards,” Boromir said hoping to alleviate some of the guilt he saw shining in his brother’s eyes.

Nodding, Faramir took a deep breath and stepped forward. “How many lashes, my lord steward?” he asked addressing his father in a voice that was much more calm and clear than he felt.

Almost more than seeing the insolent blond Elf humiliated and beaten, Denethor was enjoying seeing the way Faramir was reacting to everything. If this was what it took for his youngest to finally be a real man, and learn that pain and shame were a real, necessary part of a slave’s life to keep them in their places, then he wanted to make sure Faramir remembered this, his first time at the punishment cross. Not to mention the fact that he planned on doing his best to goad the Elf in the future…so this entire situation might just be a regular occurrence. If nothing else, it would bring the haughty creature down a notch or two. “Well,” he said, drawing out the word for as long as he could, loving the sight of Haldir naked and helpless before him, awaiting his word, “he did insult his betters, which is a punishment of 5 lashes, and I think because it was me of all people, the man who allows him to stay in my city and eat the food my servants provide, I think another 5 lashes would well be in order here. Then, he refused to apologize, he raised his voice to me, and he refuses to admit that I am right…so, I think a total of 20 lashes would be sufficient, Faramir. And make them good ones too. If any lash fails to leave a welt, then I will add on 2 more to make up for it.”

Faramir opened his mouth; almost ready to argue when his father decreed 20 lashes and more if he didn’t mark Haldir. He was almost ready to barter like he’d seen other masters do, to ask that he would prefer his slave to have fewer marks but he knew his father was angry enough. He didn’t wish to risk pushing him further. “So be it,” he nodded solemnly and prayed that Haldir would forgive him. He tried to even block out that it was Haldir at all before him as he drew back and let the whip fly. His heart felt as if it were ripped in half the moment the leather slapped loudly against fair skin.

Determined not to give Denethor the satisfaction of screaming, Haldir gritted his teeth the moment he heard the whip cutting through the air. His hands tightened on the braces high above him and he felt a searing pain across his right shoulder that went all the way down to his left hip. He stared straight ahead, concentrating on his breathing, remembering the day Faramir had pretended to punish him that day in his rooms. “Elves do not scream,” he’d said, rather arrogantly. Well, this would be a test to that statement, he knew, but he was certainly going to at least hold out as long as he could.

As Faramir withdrew the whip from the first lash he could already see the red stripe forming and bit his lip as he continued. Each one seemed to make him feel worse than the first, each time he saw Haldir’s body flinch even the slightest, each time he saw another welt it tore at his heart. He wasn’t sure how he’d managed the first ten strikes but he continued, hearing the dull cry of one of the guards counting off the lashes. Other than that, and the noise of the whip cutting thru the air and crashing against tender skin the courtyard was still eerily silent.

By the time Haldir heard the guard call out “eighteen!” he was nearly ready to collapse, but he told himself he could take two more, and he would not shame Faramir by having to be restrained. His shoulders, back, and backside all felt as if they were on fire, each deep welt and laceration that made a perfect line across his skin blending together into one great mass of pain unlike anything he’d ever known. He’d been pierced by arrows, cut by swords, and been wounded in countless battles, but those pains flared quickly and then dulled, unlike this…each time the lash would bite into him, each old pain would burn anew and he had bitten through his lip in an effort not to make a sound. Blood ran from his mouth, and he could feel the coolness of even more blood covering his back from the deep lashes. Two more…do not shame him. Take two more and you will be finished…

Faramir had to bite back the tears in his eyes as he swung his arm the final time. Haldir hadn’t screamed, he’d stood there, held on and had been so honorable against it all. Faramir waited to see if his father was satisfied, feeling his stomach lurch each time he saw the blood on Haldir’s back. Gods he hated this, hated is father, and hated this city he’d grown up loving and willing to die to protect. Nothing mattered but the one person he’d just been forced to hurt.

As the last lash fell, Haldir let his head hang forward, breathing shallowly, only waiting for Faramir to tell him he could move. He didn’t see Denethor approaching, one hand cupping his chin as he ‘admired’ the damage to formerly unmarred, pale skin. Reaching out to slap his hand hard against Haldir’s backside, just over one of the deepest cuts, he hoped to get a reaction, but Haldir, despite his surprise, simply gasped and held tighter onto the handles above him. Overall, Denethor had been disappointed – not one scream had fallen from the Elf’s lips, not one plea for mercy. Ah well…there’s always next time. And there will be a next time, you pathetic little slave, I can promise you that. He saw Faramir approaching, and quickly reached up to tangle his fingers in long blond hair, jerking Haldir’s head back. “This isn’t over,” he whispered fiercely. “I’ll still have you screaming before me and begging my forgiveness as you tell me how right I was about my sorry excuse for a son.”

Haldir, teeth still gritted in defiance, narrowed his eyes and forgot his pain for a moment as anger washed over him. “Over my dead body…or yours, which I think is much more likely,” he ground out.

Faramir stopped just before his father and Haldir, anger flashing in his eyes as he tried to manage not to make things even worse. “I have given the punishment you ordered as is your right, now I will tell you as my father and as my steward until the laws of our country are changed you will never lay hands on my property again,” he growled low only for the three of them to hear. “If we are done here, I would like to take my slave back to our quarters to be treated.” He’d purposefully said ‘our quarters’ rather than his just to irritate his father even more but knowing he could do little about something so trivial.

Denethor tightened his fist in Haldir’s hair before pulling his hand away, purposefully taking several dozen long strands with it as he glared at his son, the words “our quarters” making him all the more furious. “I was simply telling him of our laws, Faramir, surely you would not begrudge the steward of your city, not to mention your father, a moment to remind a slave of why he is being punished?”

“You may speak to him all you like, but do not touch him again, father,” Faramir said short of threatening the older man.

Knowing that half the city was watching them, Denethor forced a smile to his face as he looked at his son. “My apologies, Faramir,” he said loudly, his voice calm and friendly even though his eyes were dark with anger. “Such a fine slave you have here, I forgot my manners for a moment.” He nodded at Faramir, giving him permission to help Haldir down from the cross and couldn’t resist smirking. “It’s a wonder you enjoy fucking him so much…personally, I like my slaves to scream when I hurt them…makes it a bit more…exciting, don’t you think?” Without waiting for Faramir to answer, Denethor turned on his heels and walked away, feeling oddly satisfied with himself as he headed back toward the main hall of the citadel.

Faramir glared at his father’s back, half tempted to say that he had no problem making Haldir scream with pleasure not pain but decided not to waste his breath. He turned his attention to his lover and carefully helped him. “Hold onto me,” he whispered as he as gently as he could and picked Haldir up, cradling the bleeding body against him. His hands were covered in blood now and it made him ache. “Do you wish me to send for a healer?” he asked as he started to head toward their room.

Biting his lip to keep from moaning as Faramir picked him up, Haldir wrapped both arms around his master’s neck and closed his eyes. He’d be wondering how he could walk away from the cross with any dignity, and was relieved beyond words when Faramir simply picked him up so carefully and carried him toward the room they shared. “No,” he whispered weakly, shaking his head and holding on more tightly to Faramir’s neck. “No healers…just you. Will you stay with me for a while?”

“I’ll stay as long as you need me to,” Faramir whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He walked slowly, carrying Haldir as carefully as he could, but knowing that no matter how careful he was, that his lover was in pain. When they arrived at the room, Faramir carried Haldir directly to the bedroom and carefully laid him on his side and helped him roll onto his stomach. “Just rest while I get some things,” he whispered brushing soft golden hair back from Haldir’s face.

Determined not to let Faramir see how much pain he was in, Haldir rested his head on his arms and closed his eyes. “If you need to go, my Lord, and attend to…something else, I would understand,” he said softly, doing his best not to move or even breathe too deeply, knowing that it would take almost nothing at all to make the pain even more unbearable than it already was. He was fairly certain he couldn’t stand any more pain at that moment, yet he also knew it would raise eyebrows if Faramir spent the afternoon taking care of him, rather than leaving him to fend for himself or simply turning him over to the healers. On top of his disobedience, Haldir didn’t want to add any more burdens to Faramir’s shoulders.

“Stop that, you know there is no where I would rather be than right here with you, Haldir,” Faramir whispered softly. He had hoped that Haldir would at least have known that about him by now. He winced though when his lover seemed to be in so much pain he was taking shallow breaths. “I’ll be right back,” he whispered pressing a gentle kiss against his temple. He left the room and quickly gathered the things he needed. When he returned his heart seemed to lurch in his chest as he looked at Haldir on the bed. Gods, the idea he had done that to him, despite the fact he had no choice it still broke his heart. “Gods, I’m so sorry about this…all of it,” he whispered as he sat carefully on the edge of the bed. “No matter what you said, you didn’t deserve this.”

Haldir slowly turned his head and tried to smile at Faramir. “There is nothing for you to be sorry for,” he murmured. “Your father said some things that made me lose my temper, and even as I told him how I felt, I knew what could happen.” He moved his hand from beneath his head and rested it on Faramir’s knee, squeezing gently. “I still do not regret what I said, I only regret that you feel guilty…and I only ask that please, for me, you try to stop feeling that way.”

Nodding but unable to answer for the moment, Faramir rested his hand over Haldir’s. He shook his head and sighed. “It doesn’t change the fact that I was the one who had to do this…and that it is my fault you are here at all,” he felt tears sting his eyes and looked away. “I should tend these,” he swallowed hard and cleared his throat, “before…the…the blood dries.” Carefully he wet a soft cloth and knew no matter how gentle he was, he would end up causing Haldir even more pain.

“Nothing is your fault,” Haldir said as he put his head back on his arms and took a deep breath, holding on to the anger at Faramir’s father to help him through the pain of the next half hour. His jaw hurt from gritting his teeth, but he didn’t want to make Faramir feel even worse than he already did, so he managed to make almost no noise at all as his wounds were cleaned. By the time his shoulders and upper back had been tended to, though, he needed a few moments to gather himself before Faramir continued and the pain overwhelmed him. His master’s touch was gentle, but it still hurt, as the cuts were deep and the skin still overly sensitive. “I…could I have some water, or….or maybe some of that Elven wine you keep in the cupboard before we continue? I am a little thirsty.”

Faramir felt his heart break with each deep welt and cut he uncovered as he cleaned the blood from his lover. He had to fight back tears and when Haldir spoke he almost startled. “Yes…of course,” he said softly. Faramir figured the wine would probably be more helpful than water at this point and returned as soon as he could. “Here, perhaps it’ll dull the effects a little…I…I should have thought of something like that before,” he whispered helping Haldir raise up enough to take a drink. “The salve should take away most of the sting…I…you bled quite a bit from some of them…I…Gods,” he sighed unable to say anything else. The tears welled up so quickly he was unable to fight them this time so he simply tipped his head down hoping Haldir wouldn’t notice.

The momentary break was enough to help Haldir relax a bit, and he knew the strong wine would dull the pain. As he started to lie back down, however, he heard Faramir’s voice trail off and watched as he bowed his head. Knowing his master as well as he did, Haldir was certain that Faramir’s emotions were getting the better of him. He wanted to simply pull his lover down next to him and close his eyes, but he knew that Faramir wouldn’t rest until all his wounds were clean. Ignoring the pain, he leaned up and pressed a kiss against a now tear-stained cheek that Faramir was trying his best to hide from him. “I am fine,” he said softly, vowing again not to let his lover see how badly he hurt. “I promise, Faramir, I am fine…I will heal in no time, and the pain really is not that bad.”

Faramir looked up as Haldir pressed a kiss against his cheek even with his lip so bruised. “No…no you aren’t fine,” he whispered carefully pressing his lips against Haldir’s. He simply looked at his lover, feeling the tears streaming down his face and certain that he looked a fool. “We’ll make sure that you will be fine though…I promise Haldir…I’ll do everything in my power to keep this from ever happening again.” I couldn’t stand this again…I couldn’t. I’d rather they beat ME for not following the laws.

Haldir sighed and lifted one hand up to brush the hair back from Faramir’s temple. “You worry too much about a mere slave,” he said softly. “Besides…I sometimes think I have brought you more aggravation than pleasure since I was brought here.” As he spoke, he lay back down and pulled his hair to one side so Faramir could finish tending to his wounds, hoping that he would simply rest beside him as soon as he was done.

Faramir shook his head. “No, you’ve brought me more joy and pleasure than I’ve ever known, Haldir. Never doubt that,” he whispered. When his lover lay back down again Faramir took a deep breath and continued with his task of cleaning and then applying the thick salve to the wounds. When he was finished he set everything aside and then stripped out of his soiled clothes, throwing them away rather than keeping them to be laundered and slipped into his robe. “Do you need anything? Anything at all? I could ask for some herbs to help you sleep if you think that would help?”

“If you are truly offering anything at all,” Haldir said as he reached out his hand, “then I would ask you to take that robe back off and let me rest against you.”

Faramir thought his heart might just melt inside his chest and nodded quickly. “Of course, lo…my lovely one,” he whispered just catching himself. He removed his robe again and carefully crawled into the bed. “I don’t wish to hurt you…you…you show me what you want,” he whispered afraid to touch Haldir and hurt him again.

Haldir moved slowly until he lay flush against Faramir, careful not to put too much pressure on the sorest parts of his body. His head rested on his lover’s shoulder and he smiled without really thinking about it now that they were lying close again. “I would like your arms around me,” he said when he’d finally settled in and thrown one arm over Faramir’s lower chest. “And I would like you to kiss my forehead, like you do after you think I have already fallen sleep.”

Watching as Haldir slowly moved to lie against him, Faramir’s arms wrapped around him carefully just as requested. His eyes widened when Haldir continued and he realized how careful he really should be, because more than once he’d professed his love after he thought Haldir was asleep. He leaned forward though and kissed him tenderly. “Let’s rest then and let me know if you need anything…anything at all,” he whispered softly, brushing another kiss across his forehead.

“I will,” Haldir promised, thinking about tales so many of the other slaves told about being punished and then thrown alone into a cell or into their master’s room with little or no care at all for their pain or comfort. “Thank you for taking care of me,” he whispered, his voice beginning to slur as exhaustion took over and he drifted off to sleep. He’d only been asleep for a moment when he snuggled closer and moaned in his sleep, the hours of hiding his pain forgotten as his defenses were lowered and the movement caused his backside to ache anew.

Faramir knew Haldir was falling asleep but whispered the words. “I always would if it were possible.” He knew it was likely Haldir hadn’t heard him at all or if he had he would dismiss it if he did remember. After a moment, Haldir snuggled close and moaned in pain. It broke Faramir’s heart all over again and he pressed his lips against him. “Shhh…stay still, love, it’s all right. I have you,” he whispered softly knowing the slave wouldn’t remember his words.

Chapter 13

Faramir walked through the prisoner’s chamber, and noticed there were several new captives already sorted into a holding chamber. They were slaves that had already been spotted by high-ranking nobles and asked that they be held for them. These slaves, much like Haldir, would not experience being put on display at the auctions.

Faramir glanced up from the parchment he was reading and noticed pale golden hair and almost startled for a moment. It was almost the exact shade of Haldir’s and it made him feel a pang of guilt. As he looked at the Elf and he looked up, Faramir gasped. He could easily be Haldir’s brother. He was a bit smaller, not quite as broad shouldered as Haldir and his eyes were green instead of blue but… he looked very much like his own slave. He walked to the cell and the new slave simply stared at him, a hint of arrogance in his gaze that Faramir almost grinned at.

“Where are you from?” Faramir asked of the slave.

“Lothlórien,” the slave answered and Faramir nodded.

“What is your name?” Faramir continued knowing Haldir had two brothers and recalling their names from their conversations.

“Does that really matter here?” The Elf smirked and Faramir bit back a grin.

“I am asking because I may know one of your kin,” Faramir responded and saw eyes widen and then narrow in suspicion.

“Rúmil,” the Elf answered softly.

Faramir felt his heart drop. He’d truly hoped to hear any other name but Orophin or Rúmil though he’d suspected he might.

Without giving the slave another look he turned away and found Damrod. “Who is buying that one?”

“You want another?” Damrod asked shocked though the new Elf looked much like Faramir’s Elf.

“No… yes… well… no.” Faramir shook his head and sighed. “Who?”

“Lord Sadil has requested that one,” Damrod explained and Faramir quickly left the chamber after thanking him.

When he arrived back in their room Faramir saw Haldir sitting on the couch and felt his heart leap into his throat. He was certain the Elf named Rúmil was in fact Haldir’s youngest brother, but now that he was facing him he wasn’t sure he could tell Haldir… what could they do?

Haldir stood and smiled at his master as he crossed the room. Since his first few days as Faramir’s pleasure slave, he’d grown to look forward to Faramir returning to their room every afternoon and evening, and his smile was never forced or false. He stopped just in front of his lover and wrapped both arms around his waist. “I found a book you will love,” he started, walking backward and pulling Faramir along with him. “It was in the back of the library and…” His voice trailed off as he saw the troubled look in the blue eyes he knew so well. “What is wrong? Did something happen?”

Faramir found himself being wrapped in perfect, soothing arms and he sighed softly. “I… I… think one of your brothers… well I’m almost certain one of them has been captured,” he said unsure how to explain other than just coming right out with it. “Rúmil… he said his name was Rúmil and he looks like you… smaller and with green eyes but… much like you,” he whispered.

Stunned, Haldir froze in place and took a step back from Faramir, his eyes wide with surprise and his heart pounding in his chest at the thought of his beloved brother being captured, forced into slavery, beaten and used. There was almost no chance he would have a master who treated him kindly like Haldir had managed, and the thoughts of him being sold to someone like Denethor… Gods, he couldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t. “I need to go to him,” he said, wrapping his hands around Faramir’s arm and tugging desperately at him. “Please, take me to my brother…”

“He… he’s already been promised to someone. I… I didn’t promise him, I didn’t see him until he’d already been sorted. I know who is buying him though…” Faramir explained not even thinking to refuse Haldir. Faramir moved with Haldir back toward the holding cells in the lower levels. Haldir hadn’t been there since his days spent there and Faramir guided him though the back ways so no one would ask questions.

Haldir didn’t even realize how tightly he was holding on to Faramir’s hand as they moved through the lower levels of the city. His time as a prisoner in these very cells came back to him, the fear he’d struggled hard to hide, the anger, the helplessness… and he knew his brother must be feeling the same things. He saw him from the other end of the hall, the golden hair, the stiff posture as he paced back and forth in his small cell. Rather than releasing Faramir’s hand, though, he simply tugged him along faster until they reached Rúmil’s cell. “Rúmil, Gods, it really is you!” Reaching through the bars, Haldir hugged him as best as he could, finally releasing Faramir’s hand as he held his brother. “I hoped he was wrong… I hoped it was not really you…”

Faramir simply let Haldir lead him once he saw his brother. He knew he’d feel the same if roles were reversed and it was Boromir. He stood silently watching the pair, amazed at their similarities and differences.

Rúmil was completely caught off guard when he saw his brother. He’d assumed Haldir had died and his heart leapt at the knowledge he was alive and well it seemed. And the man who’d asked his name was standing close by. How did he know? How… he had so many questions. “Gods, I thought you were dead… we all feared the worst when you didn’t return from patrol,” he murmured finally leaning back to look at his brother. He looked healthy and seemed unharmed.

Haldir’s hands smoothed his brother’s hair as he smiled and shook his head. “No, tor, no… I was captured just outside of Minas Tirith. They assigned me to be…” He blushed and looked down for only a moment, but then nodded toward Faramir. “To be a pleasure slave to this man.” Releasing his brother, he reached for Faramir’s hand again, and pulled him closer. “This is Faramir – my master, and… I dare say, my friend. He has treated me as kindly as possible since my first days here.”

Rúmil was shocked as Haldir spoke. A pleasure slave? And Gods… they are… friends? “A… slave… you,” he paused when he realized Haldir was actually smiling as if introducing someone he truly did care for. “We feared the worst,” he muttered then and looked at the copper haired man. “And… thank you for bringing him to me.”

Faramir nodded. “I just thought you looked an awful lot like Haldir… I… I’m sorry I wasn’t here before, earlier,” he almost blushed as to why he was late and squeezed Haldir’s hand gently. “I know who has chosen you though,” he whispered and felt awkward. He wasn’t sure what he should do. The man to take Rúmil was notoriously hard on slaves, and had… or at least Faramir suspected harmed them far more than most masters.

Looking intently into Faramir’s eyes, Haldir swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in his throat. He couldn’t bear the thought of Rúmil being a slave to anyone, let alone someone who would harm him. “Tell me,” he said so softly only Faramir and Rúmil could hear. “Is he kind? Is he like you… or like your father?”

Faramir sighed at Haldir’s question and looked at him sadly. “Worse than my father,” he said swallowing hard.

Rúmil looked from one to the other, feeling true panic form in his heart at the look on Haldir’s face when Faramir answered.

Both hands clutched at Faramir’s as the words registered and Haldir’s entire body shivered at the thought of what awaited his brother. “Please, my Lord, I beg of you, is there nothing you can do? I will do anything if you can help him… anything at all. Just… just please do not let him suffer like so many of the slaves here do.”

Faramir hated to see Haldir pleading so much and gently reached up to touch his cheek. “You do not need to beg, Haldir, I will do whatever I can. I need to get you back to our room… Rúmil,” he said softly. “I am going to take you with us for now. I cannot promise you will get to stay… but… I think you’d be more comfortable waiting in our chambers than here. Please… for your brother’s sake and mine… please do not do anything that would make me regret this,” he said softly.

Rúmil’s eyes widened and he swallowed the lump in his throat from the familiar almost caring way the human touched his brother. “You have my word,” he said inclining his head.

Without waiting, Faramir called Damrod over and told him what little he needed to, and told him he would barter with Lord Sadil for the Elf. Damrod’s eyes widened but then seeing Faramir’s slave next to the new one he could tell they were most likely brothers if not some other close kin. He opened the cell and said he would send a messenger ahead to let Lord Sadil know he would be bartering with another noble for the slave.

As soon as Rúmil’s cell door opened, Haldir hugged him again and whispered against his ear. “You can trust him,” he said softly. “He is a good man, and if anything can be done to help you, my brother, he will do it.” Releasing Rúmil, Haldir took a deep breath and smiled. “Do not make eye contact with anyone, and stay a few steps behind Lord Faramir. Do not speak until spoke to, and… whatever you do, be respectful to all the men you see. They can order you to be punished if they even perceive a slight, whether you mean it or not.”

Rúmil was shocked as Haldir said he could trust a human let alone that this one was a “good” one. Haldir wasn’t the sort to say such things and even so if he were so good then why was Haldir his slave? He kept the thoughts to himself though and nodded at all the rules, some similar to theirs at home regarding slaves. He tipped his head down and slipped his hand into Haldir’s. “Lead on then,” he said softly.

Faramir nodded and took Haldir’s other hand, leading both slaves back to his quarters and wondering just how much it would take to convince Sadil to choose another slave.

When they arrived, the guards even looked at him oddly, though Faramir didn’t pay them any attention as he led the pair inside. “You can make yourself at home here, Rúmil. If you require anything, Haldir can send for it and I will return as soon as my dealings with Sadil are over. It… could… take a while,” he explained mostly for Haldir’s benefit. Without even thinking about it, he pressed a quick kiss against Haldir’s lips. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep him from going to Sadil, you’ve my word on it,” he whispered.

Haldir’s hands rested on Faramir’s waist, and he leaned his forehead against his lover’s after he returned the gentle kiss. “I know you will,” he said softly, not even noticing the astonished look on Rúmil’s face as he watched them. “If anyone can fix this, it is you.” One hand moved up and he gently ran his fingers through Faramir’s hair as he leaned back and gazed into his eyes. “You did not even have to tell me he was here, yet you did, you had him released from his cell, and I know what a difficult position you are in. Once again, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, Faramir. I do not even have the words.” He leaned forward again and kissed his lover, this time opening his mouth and offering him more than a quick press of lips.

Faramir found himself smiling despite their audience as Haldir spoke. He would do anything for Haldir, though he supposed that wasn’t the way it should be, it was simply the way it was. He returned the kiss as Haldir gave up control to him so easily and almost forgot the reason he was leaving for a moment before they pulled breathlessly away from one another. “I should go,” he said softly and then smiled encouragingly at Rúmil. “I promise… I’ll do everything I can,” he said as he headed out of the room again leaving the brother’s together.

Rúmil took a deep breath and looked around the chamber after Faramir left. “So… this is where you’ve been all this time?”

Watching Faramir until the door closed behind him, Haldir sighed and turned back to his brother. “Aye. Faramir chose me to be his first and only slave. He saw me only hours after I’d been captured and had me brought here, to his room. I threatened him, but even then, he was kind. He offered me my freedom after 1 year if I would promise not to try to escape. And he did not even demand that I actually be his pleasure slave.” Walking over to sit on the couch, he looked fondly around the room he’d spent much of the last year of his life in. “I chose to, though, after a while, and for the most part, my time here has been pleasant.”

Rúmil was surprised at Haldir’s description of his almost a full year of servitude. “He didn’t demand it? I… don’t mean to sound… crude or prying but… how is that possible? I mean… isn’t the reason for a pleasure slave to… be one? I… don’t understand,” he asked a little baffled as Haldir led him over to a small couch. “He seems nice enough… handsome for a man I guess… but how can you stand it? You kissed him just as if you wanted to not because it is required.”

“He has never demanded anything from me except my promise not to try and escape,” Haldir explained. “He told me in my first days here that he only wanted to look at me, or touch me, but he never demanded anything – not even a kiss. He does not believe in slavery for the most part, but like many of our kin, he is bound by the rules of his forefathers. Oh, Rúmil, if you were to be around him for just a few hours, you would understand. He is so good, and kind, and gentle, and…” He laughed at himself as his brother regarded him as if he’d lost his mind. “I did want to kiss him. I do want to kiss him. Often.”

Rúmil scrunched up his nose a little at the idea a part of him not entirely opposed to a man really but… well perhaps so. And oddly the first thing that popped to mind had nothing to do with how he was treated, because obviously Haldir was treated well, thankfully but… what was it like to kiss someone with a beard? He felt foolish then for the idea to pop in his mind, something so absurd he almost laughed. “I am glad you found someone good like that. When he said that this man who was to take me, what did you mean when you asked if he was like his father?”

Haldir’s face flushed at Rúmil’s question, the very image of Faramir’s father flashing in his mind and reminding him of the things Denethor had said about his own son. “Faramir’s father is not a nice man,” he said guardedly, determined not to tell his brother about the punishment Denethor had set him up for. “He is cruel to everyone, even Faramir, and treats his own slaves as if they are not good enough to breathe the same air he breathes. He beats them, forces himself onto them, and degrades them every chance he gets. He is a vile, hateful man, and I often wonder how is it possible for Faramir to have come from his loins.”

Rúmil tried to grasp the image of the man that Haldir described in contrast to the almost friendly man who was trying to help him. He and Haldir continued to talk, both about Haldir’s time in Gondor and about what had happened in Lórien since he’d been gone. The minutes passed into hours and Rúmil was almost starting to worry that Faramir would not be returning with good news when the door finally opened. He looked up and the man looked tired, slightly annoyed, but he smiled at him.

“I’ve managed to purchase you from Lord Sadil… barely, but finally managed to,” Faramir announced and walked straight into Haldir’s arms as the Elf stood to greet him as he always did.

Haldir’s usual greeting turned into a fierce hug as Faramir spoke. Rúmil would be safe, that was all he could think about, though it hadn’t quite hit him yet that Faramir’s words might mean that Haldir would have to share his master with his brother. “I never doubted,” he said as he buried his face against his lover’s neck and closed his eyes. “Thank you for this… I will forever be in your debt for sparing him from the kind of life so many of Gondor’s slaves have to suffer.”

Faramir returned the hug, smiling and pressed a kiss against Haldir’s temple. “I am glad I was able to help,” he said softly. It had been extremely expensive, the most anyone had ever paid for a slave in the history of Gondor, but he truly did not mind. He would do anything for Haldir if the Elf simply asked him to. “Have… have you eaten?” he asked turning his attention to Haldir’s brother for a moment. “I know when Haldir first arrived he hadn’t eaten in at least a day… I’ll have food sent up if you like,” he offered as he and Haldir finally drew apart though his hand slid down his lover’s arm and his fingers tangled with Haldir’s.

“I haven’t eaten, no… we… we got caught up in talking. It’s been so long since we’ve seen one another,” Rúmil admitted.

His fingers fit so naturally with his lover’s that Haldir didn’t give it a second thought, though Rúmil seemed surprised at how easily and often his brother and Faramir touched one another. “I am sorry, tor, I will have something sent up right away. I did not think.” It was only a few steps to the door, so rather than release Faramir’s hand; he simply moved closer to the door and tugged his lover with him. “Do you want your usual, my Lord, or something a bit more? You did not eat much lunch today, since your father kept you late in your meeting.”

Rúmil watched curiously the interaction between the two and was fascinated in a strange way by how they touched one another. They truly seemed like lovers… not master and slave.

“I’m fine, and the usual will be fine… and Haldir, that is your brother, not one of my men, you do not have to address me so formally if you’d rather not,” he whispered though his words weren’t soft enough for Rúmil not to hear him.

Haldir looked at his brother and winked. “As I said, he treats me so well,” he said fondly as he turned back to his lover. He quickly opened the door and asked the guard to bring them dinner, then the three of them crossed the room again to sit in front of the fireplace, Haldir curling up beside Faramir and still holding his hand, and Rúmil sitting on the chair across from them, still eyeing them as if they were from another world. As Haldir’s relief at Rúmil’s safety began to settle, he began wondering what would happen next. Not accustomed to holding his tongue when Faramir’s men or peers weren’t around, he turned to his master and suddenly felt something akin to jealousy tugging at his heart. “So… will Rúmil be staying here in our room or…” Gods, it wasn’t unheard of for brothers to be lovers, that wasn’t the problem, but the thought of Rúmil touching Faramir, or visa versa made his skin crawl. He realized he didn’t want to share Faramir with anyone… not even his brother.

Faramir squeezed Haldir’s hand gently when he asked about what would happen with Rúmil. “That would be up to you I suppose,” Faramir said softly. The next words he would say would be among the most difficult he’d ever had to say in his life and he swallowed hard before continuing. “We… well that is, you are only a few months away from having your freedom,” he began and saw something flash in Haldir’s eyes. “I thought that… I truly do not want to offer this, I just spent a great deal of money on you Rúmil, and it isn’t that you aren’t lovely but,” he turned back to Haldir. “I have only ever taken one slave and will never have another. But you cannot stay here as a free slave, you must return to Lórien and as such… I… I will release you Haldir, it is only a little over two months before the end of the year. I will rewrite the agreement and you may leave with your brother whenever you like.” It truly broke his heart to make such an offer, but he would have to accept that Haldir was leaving in a few more weeks anyway.

Haldir’s mouth dropped open and he simply stared at Faramir for a moment. He was being offered his freedom, the one thing he’d yearned for, for almost a year now. Oddly enough, though, it filled him with sadness to know that Faramir would let him go tonight, if he wished. No… he didn’t wish for that. He forgot about his brother for a moment, not even looking his way as he made his decision. At least Faramir looked pained to offer this, that was some solace to him, some relief of the surprisingly acute ache in his heart the offer had brought him. Bringing his master’s hand to his lips, he kissed each knuckle and looked into the clear blue eyes before him. “I promised you a year,” he said softly, “and I never break a promise. If you will have me for another 2 months, I would like to stay.”

Rúmil was simply gaping, unable to speak, let alone understand what was going on. The man had just offered not only HIM his freedom but Haldir too and he..was turning it down?

Faramir felt relief wash over him and visibly relaxed as Haldir spoke. “Truly? You… you don’t have to, Haldir, I… I would love nothing more for you to stay but just know that you are free to leave with Rúmil should you change your mind,” he said softly. He leaned forward and kissed his slave gently. “I would give you anything you asked of me, including your freedom, I hope you realize that,” he whispered.

Rúmil’s breath caught when Faramir spoke and his eyes widened. The man was in love with his brother! That was the only explanation for this but it seemed Haldir was completely blind to it. It wasn’t his place to interfere anyway, and love between an Elf and man had never brought anything good with it. So he simply remained quietly shocked.

Haldir was so caught up in Faramir’s gaze; he spoke the first words that came to his mind. “If I could live here as a free Elf, Faramir, I would,” he said softly, knowing though, that it wasn’t possible, no matter how much he wished it were. He had developed feelings for his master over the past ten months, there was no denying that, but he’d never let himself really think about them. “You have done so much for me, but if you truly would love for me to stay, it would be my honor to do so. I… I am not ready to leave you yet, to be honest.”

Feeling his heart soar from the soft words, Faramir gazed into Haldir’s eyes. “I wish it were possible,” he whispered. “I truly am not ready for you to leave either.” When Rúmil coughed discretely he turned his attention to Haldir’s brother.

“I will draw up an agreement right away, it will free you to return to Lórien immediately and inform your family that your brother is alive and well and will return as soon as he can. Is that agreeable to you?”

Rúmil simply stared for a moment. “Aye, it is,” he answered unable to understand what was happening completely. “Haldir are you sure? You… you’ve been here ten months brother, surely you want to return home? Please reconsider this… you’ve just been offered your freedom and you are turning your back on it.” He saw the pain in Faramir’s eyes and felt badly for it, the man had just helped him but Haldir was his brother and his loyalty lay with him.

Haldir leaned against Faramir and moved even closer as he turned to look at his brother. “I am sure, tor, my place is here, at least for now,” he said, looking directly into Rúmil’s eyes to let him see that he was serious. “I have no doubts about my decision. It is the right one, and nothing, my dear brother, not even you, can change my mind. I am sorry. I know you do not understand this, but I gave my word, and, I really don’t want to leave yet. I… Gods, this sounds strange, but…” He blushed, and couldn’t quite look at Faramir, but continued speaking. “I care a great deal for him, even if I am only his slave. You will have to just trust me on this, and know this is where I want to be right now, little brother.”

Faramir swallowed hard as Haldir said he cared for him. If you said you loved me. You once asked me if I would give up everything for someone I love and Gods if only you loved me back I would. He simply pulled Haldir closer and watched his brother’s reaction.

Rúmil’s eyes widened as Haldir looked directly at him and he nodded. “You taught me what it was to be honorable, Haldir, so I do understand wishing to honor a promise. And Lord Faramir, as kind as you’ve been I do wish to return home as soon as I can. I would prefer it with my brother at my side, but at least I know he is well cared for here… and… happy,” he said the last feeling odd. The very idea Haldir could be happy as a slave still baffled him but he could see it for himself. Haldir was happier here with this man his master than he ever had been in Lórien.

Faramir nodded. “I’ll draw up the agreement after dinner tonight and you can leave as soon as you like.”

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and two servants entered, bearing large trays of food. Haldir never moved from Faramir’s side, and he watched Rúmil dig into the food as if he was starving, Haldir couldn’t help but smile. Knowing his brother was occupied for the moment, he laid his head back on Faramir’s shoulder and squeezed his hand. “You really would have let me go, would you not?” he asked softly. “No, do not answer that, I know you would. And before you ask, no, I would not like time alone with my brother. I would love for you to stay and get to know him better and for him to learn more about you. Though I will admit I did not want you to know him too well. I was… jealous. Again.”

Faramir grinned when Haldir said he was jealous… again. “I have to admit I like when you get jealous,” he whispered. “Perhaps I should have waited to offer all this just to… enjoy myself a little watching you trying not to be jealous of your own brother,” he teased and then chuckled at the look Haldir gave him. “But even though he looks very similar to you… I don’t find myself attracted to him the same that I was to you,” he whispered for only Haldir to hear then leaned closer his lips almost against his ear, “And still am attracted to you.”

Shivering as Faramir whispered so close to his ear, Haldir’s face flushed and his arm slid around his master’s waist. Rúmil was still eating quite contentedly, watching them even as he seemed focused solely on his food, unable to believe how comfortable they were with each other. Haldir nuzzled against his master’s neck and smiled as he pulled him closer. “And Gods help me, jealous I would be, even of him,” Haldir confessed. “You know… I think my brother could occupy himself with his dinner for the next half hour or so…” He let his breath drift over Faramir’s ear as he continued. “And I think you and I could find ways to amuse ourselves in the meantime, if I could convince you to go into the next room with me…”

Faramir smiled as Haldir made his suggestion and cleared his throat. “We… need to discuss a few things,” he said trying not to grin at his words. “Please try to make yourself at home, Rúmil.” He stood and pulled Haldir up with him.

Rúmil’s eyebrows raised and the look he saw in his brother’s eyes almost made him giggle. It certainly didn’t seem his brother was being forced into doing anything with this human. He couldn’t imagine it himself, but if Haldir was happy he couldn’t begrudge him that. “Thank you… um… take your time?” he said trying not to smirk.

Haldir winked at his brother and let his arm rest around Faramir’s waist again. “We will, brother,” he grinned. “You will probably even have time for a dessert… or two.” With that, he closed the door to the bathing chambers and leaned back against the wall, pulling Faramir against him. One hand slid beneath the waistband of his lover’s breeches and the other tangled in soft, dark hair. “Before you even ask, I am grateful for what you did, and I will never be able to tell you how much,” he said softly, letting his hand rest on Faramir’s hip, rather than going straight to his arousal just yet. He knew Faramir well enough to know how his mind worked. “But that is not why I suggested we come here… I just want you so much, I could not think straight… not even enough to talk to my brother.”

Faramir gasped as he was pulled against a firm body and hands began to move. He was pleased that Haldir wasn’t using this to ‘repay’ him for what he’d done, though he wouldn’t have blamed him if he had felt the need to he was glad that Haldir just wanted him. Pulling his lover closer, shifting his hips as a knowing hand wrapped around his quickly hardening flesh, Faramir smiled. “I’m sure your brother knows exactly what is happening right now judging by the look in his eyes. But,” he whispered drawing back only a little, “You’re certain you don’t want to change your mind though… about my offer? I want you to stay forever if I had my choice but I just want to be sure you really do.”

Haldir’s hand stilled on Faramir’s length as he gazed into serious blue eyes. “I never thought I would say this, but I do want to stay,” he said softly, holding his lover’s gaze so he could see that he had no doubts. “Not only because I gave you my word, but because I… I enjoy spending time with you, Faramir. If we only have 2 months left, then I would like to make the most of them.”

Pain lanced through Faramir as he thought of how short their time truly was and before he could say another word he kissed Haldir deeply. He let his gratitude and love for the Elf show through the kiss and was breathless by the time they drew apart again. They didn’t speak again, only softly whispered pleas as they made love a few times giggling and trying to stay quiet. While both were quite sure Rúmil knew exactly what was going on in the other room, they certainly didn’t feel comfortable advertising it.

Rúmil sat back in the other room after finishing his meal; feeling contentedly stuffed and tried NOT to listen to what went on in the other room. He knew exactly what was going on of course, it was obvious even if he’d been a blind Elf and he was decidedly uncomfortable when he began to hear their passion growing more heated. Trying to block out the image of the two of them together, he wandered over to a bookshelf and began to hum an Elvish tune while he searched for a book to occupy his mind. At least he was to be free and their family and friends would be pleased to know Haldir was alive, and well… and oddly enough… happy.

Chapter 14

As Faramir walked his brother’s words rang in his ears. ‘I thought you knew… I thought Haldir had told you… I’m sorry.’ He sighed heavily as he rounded the last corner and pushed open the door to their room. Haldir was standing at the bookshelf, putting away a book when he entered and he simply gazed at him.

He wasn’t angry, not precisely anyway. He was… pained to know that Haldir defended him against what his father always said about him. Faramir simply didn’t see himself as worth the pain Haldir had endured and to be the one to have had to punish him, Gods… what a mess.

He stared for a moment as Haldir looked at him across the room. The words were out before he could stop himself. “Why did you not tell me why you were punished that day?” He’d always assumed his father had insulted Elves… not him.

Haldir’s smile froze on his face as he let his hand drop from the bookshelf. “Why does it matter now?” he asked, having held on to the hope that Faramir would never know what his father had said about him that day. “It was weeks ago, and not worth thinking about.” He moved closer, hoping to distract his lover. “Besides, we have dinner plans, do we not? I had something special sent up for tonight…”

Faramir shook his head as Haldir asked why it matters. “It matters to me that you allowed me to be the one who punished you when it was me that you were defending. Gods, I… why did you even attempt to defend me to him? He’s always been that way, always insulted me, I’ve endured it my whole life, Haldir,” his words weren’t spoken angrily just honest amazement was evident in his voice. No one stood up for him, except Boromir, and even he couldn’t get through to their father. Faramir always had to be better than anyone else, at everything he did, yet it was never good enough for his father it seemed. He swallowed hard, and wrapped his arms around Haldir pulling him close. “I just hate that I was the reason you were punished.”

Wrapping his arms around Faramir’s waist and resting his head on a broad shoulder, Haldir sighed and closed his eyes. “I am sorry, but I could not bear to hear him speak of you in such a manner,” he said firmly. “I have avoided him as much as I can, but… I do not regret what I said to him that day, and I would do it all over again if he were to say it now. You deserve respect, Faramir, and I can not… I will not stand by and let him insult you.”

“Haldir, Gods, it pleases me more than you know that you feel so… strongly but you must not speak to him that way again. Please. As a slave… Gods, he could have ordered worse punishment and may do so in the future if you don’t hold your tongue. I love that about you, I love your willfulness but you cannot do that with him. And especially not for my sake. Gods… I thought you were defending Elves or yourself, not me,” he whispered ardently. Shaking his head, Faramir frowned. “I’m not worth the pain you went through, Haldir.”

Haldir cupped Faramir’s face between both hands, and stared at him solemnly. “Yes you are.” Slowly, he let his thumbs move over his lover’s face, then down to seal his lips closed when he started to argue. “I am sorry, Faramir, but I cannot promise to stay silent if he says such hurtful things about you again. It is simply not within me to just walk away from such blatant lies about a man I respect and care for. It was well worth the beating just to make him stop saying such things… and, again, I do not regret that it happened. I regret only that it caused you pain to punish me.”

Faramir started to protest but before he could he was kissed so gently and so freely that it stole his breath away. “I hated him for it, hated this city, hated everyone for having to punish you that day. I never wanted to hurt you, Haldir. Never. It broke my heart to see those marks on you, marks I put there,” he whispered. He pulled Haldir with him to sit down in a chair, his beautiful lover cradled on his lap against him. “I care a great deal more for you than a master probably should his slave, and it hurt me more seeing you bleeding than his words would ever hurt me.”

Kissing the curve of his master’s neck, Haldir combed his fingers through soft hair and wished with all his heart that things could be different. He couldn’t bear the thoughts of being a slave for the next century, but if they went to Lothlórien together, they would end up switching places, with Faramir as the slave… a slave subjected to the same punishment as Haldir had received. “You did not hurt me nearly as much as your father’s words,” he promised. “I would never hurt you, Faramir, so I have tried my best to stay here, in your rooms, away from your father. I wish… Gods, Faramir, I wish things were different. I wish…” His voice trailed off, as his arms curled around his lover’s neck. “It does not matter… but for your sake, I will continue to try and avoid him. If he seeks me out, however, and goads me into saying something, then I will simply ask him if he is not man enough to punish me himself, so you will not have to do it again. Would that help at all?”

Pulling Haldir closer, Faramir shook his head. “I wish things were different but no, I don’t want him to do it. He’ll take too much pleasure in it and he will purposefully try to hurt you more than I would. As much as I hate the idea, it would probably be better if I did do it. Though I hope to keep you away from him as much as I can. He likes to put me in my place, and I think he used you to do that,” he said softly.

Haldir knew that he should promise to keep his thoughts to himself whenever Denethor spoke, but Gods, to say such things about his own son… Haldir just didn’t think he could do it. “We will each do what we have to do, then,” he whispered, not moving from his lover’s arms. “Besides… this just gives you all the more reason to keep me occupied here in your rooms, my Lord. I only have seven more weeks, and I think we can think of more than enough ways to pass the time until they are over.” The words seemed to stick in his throat. Only seven more weeks? Gods, where had the time gone? And how could he go back to a life without Faramir? It wasn’t as if he had a choice though, that much was certain.

Faramir swallowed hard when Haldir spoke of only seven weeks left. “It does give me more reason to keep you occupied here… do you think anyone would miss me if I just secluded myself here with you for the next several weeks?” he teased trying not to think of how lonely he would be once Haldir left.

“I think everyone would miss you,” Haldir whispered as he nibbled on Faramir’s ear, doing his best to dispel the sudden sense of hopelessness that seemed to overwhelm them both. “But I think you deserve a vacation too, and everyone who mattered would understand if you took a little time off.”

Faramir laughed softly. “Then I think that is exactly what I will do, because I’d much rather spend every moment I can with you before you leave,” he whispered, tipping his head slightly to allow Haldir more access. “Perhaps start right now in fact,” he murmured as his hands pulled Haldir even closer, letting them roam all over his lover’s body. “And I think I might just have to order that you not wear a single stitch of clothing until the day you leave,” he teased as he stood up cradling Haldir against him and carried him toward the bed.

Already, Haldir was unlacing Faramir’s tunic as the moved across the room. It never failed to amaze him how eagerly and completely his body responded to his lover’s touch. “Not a single stitch?” he murmured between kisses to the warmth of Faramir’s neck. “But will I not get cold, my Lord?”

Faramir grinned as he set Haldir on the edge of the bed and shrugged out of his tunic. “Oh no, because you’ll be wearing me,” he teased as he pushed Haldir back onto the bed and covered his body with his own.

Haldir was counting the days until his release, but not with the joy he would have expected one year ago, when Faramir offered him his freedom after a year of service. Instead, the day seemed to loom gloomily ahead, steadily drawing closer, the time flying by all too quickly. Often Man and Elf would find themselves fighting off sleep so they could talk, or make love, or simply touch each other long into the night as the day of his freedom came closer and closer.

As much as he wanted to, (and, in all honesty, he did want to), Haldir had too much pride to willingly remain a slave in Gondor, especially when his freedom was there before him, waiting, given with no strings attached. One of the servants had brought him a note from his brothers, saying they would wait for him just outside of the city on the day of his release, at a neutral clearing at the edge of the woods. They couldn’t wait to see him again, and escort him home; his family and friends missed him, had a celebration planned for the day of his return to their Golden Wood at last.

As the sun began to stream through their window on the last morning of his time in Gondor, Haldir found himself resting against his lover, listening to the regular, soothing beat of his heart, his fingers idly moving over his favorite parts of Faramir’s body – his hips, his stomach, his neck. They’d made love long into the night, and were both too spent to even think of it again, yet neither could gather the strength to pull away and dress, or pull the blankets up to cover themselves. Instead, they lay there, completely naked and exposed to one another, as if offering their lover one last chance to memorize every part of them. They would never see one another again after this day, so it was little to ask, but it meant everything to both of them, though the words were unspoken.

Neither Haldir or Faramir had talked about this day, and how difficult it would be. They had no choice – Faramir had given his word, and Haldir would be a fool not to take the freedom that was offered him.

It was midmorning before either of them spoke. “I guess… I should be leaving soon,” Haldir said softly, though he couldn’t bring himself to move. “Orophin and Rúmil are waiting at the west end of the city.”

They had both fallen silent the last several hours, only holding and touching one another. Faramir, for his part, was afraid if he spoke that the words that spilled from his lips would be begging Haldir to stay. Telling him how much he loved him. He couldn’t do that of course, so he remained silent. When Haldir spoke first he nodded slowly. “You shouldn’t keep them waiting, they will be happy to have you home again,” he whispered trying not to sound as sad as he felt though he knew Haldir could see it in his eyes.

Haldir sighed and nodded, still not pulling away from his master. “Aye. They have a celebration planned for my return.” His voice was soft, and lacked any hint of the happiness he thought he should be feeling at the prospect of returning to his Golden Wood. “I do not like parties, really,” he continued. “The last one, when that arse of a noble man was flirting with you was the last party I ever planned on attending.”

Despite his sadness, Faramir’s lips twitched at Haldir’s description of Turin and he shook his head. He started to say that Haldir wouldn’t have to worry about who flirted with him anymore but refrained from it. “You’ll enjoy yourself despite that. Many have missed you, I’m sure,” he whispered. I know I will. Every single moment for the rest of my life I will. “I don’t want your brothers to blame me for keeping them waiting.” With that Faramir sat up, reluctantly letting his arms fall away from Haldir and he swallowed hard. This was the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life, he realized. He slipped on his robe and walked to the chest where the agreement was kept.

“They won’t blame you,” Haldir said softly, though he sat up as well, and watched as his lover crossed the room. As he dressed, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Faramir. “You know, many of the slaves were promised their freedom, but when the time came for their release, I am told their masters changed their minds, and tore up the contracts.” He knew Faramir wouldn’t do that, but if he did, Haldir wouldn’t argue. His freedom was a courtesy not afforded to many slaves after all, not a right. “Why, even Menderal was promised his freedom, yet when the time came, Imrahil asked him for another year, then another… did you know that? Menderal felt it was his duty to stay as long as his master asked him to…” His voice trailed off as Faramir pulled the agreement from the chest and made no move to rip it to shreds. “But, no, you are too honorable for that, I know.” He almost sighed as he finally tugged on his boots and moved closer to Faramir. “I will miss you, Faramir. I hope you know that.”

“I am no longer your duty, Haldir,” Faramir said softly, knowing he could ask, knowing he could rip up the agreement, but he’d promised. He reached into the chest again and withdrew a copy he’d had drawn up over the last months for Haldir to keep should he ever be captured again and a small box. It contained a small pendant that Haldir had eyed that first day at the marketplace and he’d kept all these months for him. “I will miss you… a great deal,” he said feeling tears gather in his eyes and blinking them away. “But at least I will know that you will be free, and no one else as long as I live can take you prisoner,” he whispered and with trembling hands, held out the small box. “I don’t want to be presumptuous and think you want to remember your time here… but I can hope you will want to remember me.”

Stunned into silence for a moment, Haldir had to blink away his own tears as he reached for the box in Faramir’s hand. Their fingers brushed together for a moment, and the simple contact made Haldir want to simply pull Faramir against him and promise to never, ever forget him. No. You were not put here on Arda to be a slave… not even to him. You must go home. Pulling his hands away, he opened the box and felt his heart break at what was inside… a small, thin silver canvas with the delicate etching of star with a blue stone set in the middle. The stone was not one Haldir had ever seen before, but he remembered being mesmerized by it on that day, thinking that it was exactly the same shade as Faramir’s eyes – a clear blue like he’d never seen before his gaze had met his new master’s. He remembered reaching out and running his fingers over the pendant, wondering how someone had managed to capture such a startling, perfect shade of blue in such a beautiful stone, and figured that whoever had created it – man, Elf, or Valar, they must have looked into Faramir’s eyes one day and found their inspiration. “It is beautiful,” he whispered as he sat the box down and lifted the chain and pendant from its box. He couldn’t seem to make his hands stop shaking. “Will you put it on for me?” He lifted his hair and turned around, grateful for the opportunity to look away from his master, for surely he would see how his eyes now shown brightly with tears. He could say they were tears of happiness for going home, but that would be a lie… and he’d never lied to Faramir. He certainly wasn’t going to start today.

“Of course,” Faramir whispered the words almost catching in his throat. He reached around his former slave with hands he couldn’t stop from trembling and fastened the chain. Leaning forward he kissed the tender skin of Haldir’s neck gently. “I will never forget you, Haldir. And my greatest hope is that one day our paths may cross again.” He had the most overwhelming urge to simply walk away from his life in Gondor and go with Haldir, even if it were as his slave. If he knew his love was returned he would, but as close as they’d been, as caring as Haldir had been, he never knew for certain the Elf loved him. Even then he was tempted to offer, he could love Haldir enough for both of them he thought for a moment before drawing away again. “You… shouldn’t stay here any longer, I’m in danger of changing my mind,” he tried to grin but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Haldir had to suppress a shiver as Faramir kissed him so gently, and quickly let his hair cascade back over his shoulders. He reached up to touch the pendant as he turned, and tried to smile at his lover one last time. “We… we would not want you to do that, now would we?” he said softly. “Thank you for everything, Faramir. I wish…” He stopped, looked down, and took Faramir’s hands in his own. “I wish so many things for you… good things – happiness, and love, and all the joy that Arda has to offer.” As he spoke, he pressed Faramir’s hands to his chest and moved closer, his last words trailing off as their lips finally touched. Pulling his soon to be ex-lover against him, Haldir kissed him softly, though he wouldn’t allow himself the pleasure of deepening the kiss, afraid that he would reveal too much if he did, or that he would do or say something foolish. After only a moment, he stepped back and cleared his throat, swallowing away the ache in his heart, telling himself that he would feel better once he was outside of the Gondorian borders, and back with his family… as a free Elf again, a slave to no one. He took the agreement in one hand and folded it inside his tunic. “Goodbye, Faramir. I… I should go now. They will be waiting…” He backed toward the door, only looking away when his elbow bumped into the door frame. A moment later, he’d flung the door open and hurried down the hallway, promising himself that once he saw his brothers, he would be ready to go home for good, and never look back.

Faramir’s heart was breaking in his chest as Haldir spoke and then kissed him so tenderly. He could tell Haldir was holding back, just as he was but they couldn’t draw this out any more. Haldir had to leave, he couldn’t ask him to remain a slave and he wouldn’t but Gods it was hard not to. He nodded when they drew apart again. “I wish the same for you, my friend,” he whispered. “I… love you I wish the same.” He watched in silence as Haldir moved away and took the agreement. It was best that he didn’t go with him even as far as the gates, he wasn’t sure he could handle it, so Faramir waited until the door was closed for his tears to come. He crossed to the balcony and waited, watching for Haldir as he exited the citadel, and continued to watch until his love was gone from sight. He collapsed on the bed, clutching Haldir’s pillow to him, breathing in his scent and cried out his heartache.

Once Haldir reached his brothers, who were thrilled to see him again and couldn’t seem to stop hugging him as they tugged him away from Gondor, the expected feeling of relief didn’t overwhelm him as he’d hoped. In fact, he felt nothing but sadness, a longing for what he had given up, despite the constant excited chatter from Rúmil and Orophin, who wanted to get as far from Gondor as possible. They were less than a league away from the city when Haldir stopped. It took his brothers a few moments to realize he was no longer beside them, but Rúmil already knew what Haldir was thinking even before they saw him gazing back toward Minas Tirith… toward the citadel where he’d lived for the past year.

Rúmil put on arm around Haldir’s shoulder and sighed. “You would have to live as his slave,” he said softly.

Haldir nodded. “Aye. I know that.”

“You would have to hold your tongue around others, risk punishment for any little thing, and he could always give you away if he tired of you.”

Again, Haldir simply nodded.

Rúmil sighed as Orophin looked at his brothers in exasperation. “We will miss you, tor, but you cannot be happy without him, can you?”

Haldir drew his eyes away from the citadel and smiled at his younger brother. “No. I love him, and I think that possibly, he might love me back. It is a chance I will have to take, because even if I returned to Lothlórien, I would never be able to stop thinking of him.”

He hugged Rúmil, then Orophin, and took a few steps away from them, in the direction of Gondor. “Thank you for understanding… Maybe I will see you both again one day. I love you… but I love him too, brothers… so much.”

Orophin gaped as Haldir turned and ran back toward the city, long golden hair fanning out behind him, his feet making not the slightest noise on the ground as he disappeared from sight. As Rúmil began to explain, they headed back toward their home… without Haldir, just as Rúmil had known they would after seeing Haldir and Faramir together during his short time as Gondor’s prisoner.

Chapter 15

Haldir quietly opened the door to Faramir’s room and saw his lover lying on the bed, shoulders shaking with sobs. He simply watched him for a moment, then, without a sound, closed the door behind him and moved over to the bed, where he lay down and wrapped both arms around the man he loved. “Hush,” he said softly, as he pulled Faramir close against him and spooned against his back. “Please, Faramir, do not cry…”

Faramir startled as arms wrapped around him and when he realized it was Haldir, he automatically relaxed into his embrace. “Did you forget something?” he asked softly, feeling foolish and trying to wipe away his tears. He started to sit up but felt Haldir’s arms tighten around him. “I… I don’t wish to say goodbye again, Haldir. If… if you’ve forgotten something you wanted to take with you, please get it and go. I… I cannot say goodbye again.”

Haldir carefully forced Faramir to turn around in his arms, though he could tell his lover was trying not to look at him. “I cannot say it either,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to Faramir’s forehead as Faramir had done to him so many times. “I did not forget anything, I just… I was on my way home, with my brothers, when I realized that I had been foolish. I was almost a league away when I realized that my home is here, with you. My heart would have stayed here in Gondor, no matter where the rest of me returned to. And if it means I have to be a slave to be with you… then I am prepared to do that, if you will have me… if you still want me.”

Faramir looked up into Haldir’s eyes when he asked if he still wanted him. “Of course I want you,” he said quickly. “But… you shouldn’t be a slave, you never deserved it, I was just selfish because I wanted you. Haldir, you should have gone back to your home. I don’t want to ask you to have only a half life even if every part of me wants you to stay…” his words trailed off as the words ‘my heart had stayed here in Gondor’ registered in his mind. His hand rose to rest over Haldir’s heart. “What… did you mean? Your heart would stay here?” His own was pounding in his chest as hope blossomed inside him.

He started to argue that being a slave would be a small price to pay to be with Faramir, and that he wasn’t selfish… but the softly spoken question and the look in Faramir’s eyes stopped Haldir short. “I mean that I love you,” he whispered. “That my heart belongs to you, and has for quite some time now. I am not sure when, but sometime over this last year, I fell in love with you, Faramir.”

As Haldir spoke, Faramir felt his breath catch in his chest and his heart flip. His eyes slid closed for only a moment, almost a thankful prayer. Faramir then looked up at Haldir, his hand rose to caress his cheek tenderly. “I fell in love the first night I offered myself to you,” he whispered. That was so long ago now, but it was the truth. “I’ve loved you all these months, and it broke my heart to think of you leaving, but I was willing to let you go for your happiness.”

A slow smile touched Haldir’s lips as Faramir spoke and he turned his head to press a kiss against the hand pressed to gently against his cheek. “I think that is a sign of the greatest love of all,” he murmured as he brushed the hair back from his lover’s – and now, once again, his master’s – forehead. “My happiness lies with you, Faramir – as your slave, and your lover, and your friend, and anything else you will allow me to be.”

Faramir shook his head. “Not as my slave. I cannot ask that of you again,” he said softly. “I had thought many times that if you… if you loved me that I would go with you, wherever that would be. I would be your slave, Haldir if I must, but I do not want you to stay here where you are unable to be yourself, unable to walk beside me not behind me,” he whispered. “At risk of my father or others ordering you punished on a whim.”

“Oh love,” Haldir whispered, pulling Faramir even closer. “I cannot ask you to be my slave either. You would be at the same whims… punishment if you dared look the wrong Elf in the eyes, or if you said or did the wrong thing.” His hands worked their way underneath Faramir’s tunic, craving the feeling of skin on skin. “I started to say this earlier, before I left… .but Gods, I wish there was a place where we could live as lovers and partners, rather than master and slave. A place where neither of us would have to hide our feelings, or pretend to punish the other for any imagined infraction of the ‘rules.’”

Faramir leaned into Haldir’s touch and looked up at him. “There is a place I’ve heard people talk of. The wizard… .Gandalf told me of it once. It was where he was going to help the librarian and his wife go to if I was unable to convince my father to allow them to stay,” he whispered softly. “We would have to give up contact with everyone we know now, my brother… your brothers, it is a secret place. Gandalf wouldn’t even tell me where it was, only that it existed.”

Haldir’s fingertips traced the trail left by his lover’s tears as he shook his head. “I could never ask you to give up everyone you know and love,” he said sadly. “Especially your brother.”

Faramir sat up, pulling Haldir with him, he was speaking quickly out of excitement. “My brother would understand, my father… I don’t care what he thinks. We can at least try; I can send word to Gandalf asking him to meet with us… no one has to know why. One of the things I love most about you Haldir is your passion and your fire, and I’m afraid a lifetime of spending your life here as a slave would extinguish that fire I love. I cannot stand the thought of that. We can try can’t we? Maybe the place doesn’t exist… but we should at least ask.”

Completely caught up in the moment, not to mention the happiness in Faramir’s eyes, Haldir felt his heart lighten. It amazed him that Faramir would be so willing to give up everything for him, when really, he’d walked away from him, if only for a short while. His hands trailed down and tangled with his lover’s and he wondered what it would be like to live a normal life with this incredible man he’d fallen so hard for – a life without punishments or orders or having to look away when someone who claimed to be ‘better’ gazed in his direction. “Well… I did happen to hear someone mention that Gandalf was visiting an old friend in the lower levels of the city…”

Faramir’s eyes widened and he smiled. “Then we should seek him out, at least talk to him… if the answer is no then we will figure something else out, but I do not want you to continue to live as my slave. If all else fails, I will return to Lórien with you, Haldir. You asked me once if I would give up everything for someone I loved and I said I would if only they loved me in return.”

“Gods, I do love you in return,” Haldir whispered, standing up and pulling Faramir along with him. “Let’s find our wizard then. If the city is just a rumor, we’ll decide what to do after that, but I seriously doubt that Gandalf indulged in rumors, so… so I guess this is the beginning of a new life for us both.” He couldn’t wait a moment longer, though he knew they needed to hurry and find Gandalf. Unable to resist, he pulled Faramir against him, and wrapped both arms around him, kissing him soundly. This wasn’t like their goodbye kiss, where he’d held back his feelings – this kiss was fueled by a love and passion that he’d never even known existed within him before, and he poured his entire heart and faer into every precious moment of it.

Faramir couldn’t stop smiling as Haldir pulled him to his feet but then he found himself wrapped in strong Elven arms and he melted into the embrace, his fear from earlier of never feeling those arms around him again making him almost cling to his lover. When Haldir kissed him though, it was stronger than any kiss they’d ever shared filled with more love and tenderness than he’d ever known. His hands clutched at his lover’s tunic as he returned the kiss, feeling warmth seem to envelope them both. Completely dazzled as they finally pulled apart again it took him a moment to catch his breath. “I love you,” he whispered softly.

As they kissed, Haldir wondered how he’d even managed to make it as far as the borders before he realized how much he loved the man in his arms. “I love you, so, so very much,” he murmured as he backed toward the door, pulling Faramir along with him. He wanted to fling the door open and race down the hallways toward where he thought Gandalf might be, but he knew they couldn’t do that… he was still, in the eyes of everyone in Gondor but Faramir, a slave. He bowed his head, but couldn’t resist a wicked smile in Faramir’s direction. “Come, my Lord, we have to find our wizard. Then maybe we can come back here and I can convince you that you won’t need very many clothes when we move to our new home…”

Feeling his heart leap when Haldir told him again that he loved him, Faramir followed eagerly. He laughed softly as they opened the door and Haldir teased him. “I think a limited wardrobe for us both might be in order,” he grinned as they walked. Haldir fell into his role, walking slightly behind Faramir with his head down, and he realized that he very much looked forward to the day when Haldir wouldn’t need to do that. When they reached the lower levels, Faramir led Haldir into one of the pubs he knew the wizard frequented on his visits and asked the bar keep if he had seen him. After a few minutes, Faramir was leading Haldir toward a small inn where they’d been told Gandalf was staying and within a quarter hour of leaving their room they were standing outside the wizard’s door. Faramir raised his hand and knocked on the door, hoping that the man they sought was inside and not visiting friends in the city.

Haldir amused himself as they waited for Gandalf to answer by nibbling on his lover’s neck. Gandalf wasn’t one to approve of slavery, he knew that much, and there was no one else around, and Gods, Faramir tasted delicious, he thought. One hand moved down to cup Faramir’s backside and knead the firm muscles there as he bit lightly at the warmth of his neck, just under the edge of his tunic, so it wouldn’t be seen by curious eyes. One day soon he hoped, they wouldn’t have to hide these little love marks, and he would take great pleasure in making dozens of them for all of Arda to see.

Faramir giggled a little as Haldir touched him and nibbled on him as they waited. When the door swung open abruptly, Gandalf’s normally friendly face seemed to crumple into a scowl as he looked at the young man. “What is it?” he asked irritably. He’d been angry with the Faramir, he’d always been against slavery and for the past year now the man had taken a slave. An Elf Gandalf knew of all things, and Gods… was that Elf nibbling on Faramir? Grey eyebrows shot upwards and he pursed his lips for a moment.

Seeing the less than happy look on Gandalf’s face, Faramir had the grace to blush, both about what he knew the wizard was upset with him about and the fact Haldir had only just stopped groping and nibbling on him when he realized the door had opened. “We’d like to speak with you… please?” Faramir said softly.

Gandalf frowned but noticed the way Faramir had said ‘we’ not ‘I’ as most masters would. “Be quick about it then, I have things to do,” he said stalking back into the chamber. In truth he had nowhere he needed to be anytime soon, but he was still angry that Faramir had taken a slave at all. He’d thought better of the boy.

Haldir had to bite back a chuckle at the look on Gandalf’s face, as he followed Faramir into the room. He’d known the wizard for centuries, and could read him easily. “Old friend… it is good to see you again,” he said, bowing his head slightly in a sign of respect. “Though you do not seem as happy as we are at the moment, I am sorry to say.”

“Happy?” Gandalf all but huffed as he sat down in a chair and looked at them. They did look happy oddly enough. “How could you be happy as a slave Haldir? And you… I expected so much better of you, Faramir. When I first learned you’d taken a slave I was shocked to the core. You of all people! You disappointed me,” he said looking away as if disgusted.

Faramir’s smile slipped away and he looked down. “I cannot explain my actions, Gandalf, truly I didn’t understand it myself at first. Will you at least allow me to attempt to explain though?” he asked softly.

“You can try,” Gandalf stated looking up at the pair and noticing how Haldir’s hand had willingly slipped into Faramir’s as if to offer support. So he sat, and he listened to Faramir and Haldir tell the tale of their past year, and the fact they were in love. By the end he was smiling gently, and his anger and disappointment was soon fading. “And why have you come to tell me all this?”

Haldir squeezed Faramir’s hand gently and smiled at Gandalf. “I think you know the answer to that, mellonamin (my friend). We want to live as partners, not master and slave. That’s not possible either here or in Lothlórien, as you well know, and… while we are both willing to give up our freedom for the love we share, we believe you know of another place… a place we could go and be together without having to pretend, or fear punishment, or lower our eyes lest someone see how we truly feel about one another.” He moved closer to the end of his seat and took a deep breath. “Is there such a place, Gandalf? Is there a place for others like us?”

Chewing the end of his pipe, Gandalf nodded as Haldir spoke. “There is, but to tell you of it would mean you could never return, it is under my protection, and those who go there must stay, they must break all ties with their former lives, can you do that? Can you Faramir? What about Boromir?”

Faramir nodded. “I think he would understand,” he whispered softly. “We wouldn’t betray you, Gandalf, we wouldn’t tell anyone of this place.”

“No… no you won’t because I will not tell you where it is,” the wizard said after a moment and watched as both of their faces fell. “Let me make myself clear, I will not tell you but I will show you. If I tell you, there is a risk that before you left someone would find out, if I show you the path and take you at least part of the way there, then there is no risk. I do that with all couples who wish to journey there.”

Haldir felt a tingle of excitement race up his spine. They could have a future together, the way there were meant to. “Will you show us then? Will you let us live in peace, away from all the prejudices and arrogance of both our races, Gandalf?”

Faramir had worried when Gandalf had said he wouldn’t tell them where this place was, but relaxed as the wizard continued and leaned against Haldir. “Please? Gandalf, I’m tired of pretending, tired of watching Haldir have to bow his head in deference to people who are not better than him. Tired of worrying that if he says the wrong thing, he’ll be punished… because we are both punished when that happens,” Faramir explained.

Gandalf nodded after a moment. “I’ll show you but we must leave tonight. I’ll not have you dallying about saying long goodbyes to your friends or family, this must be kept secret. There are some, like your father, Faramir who would wish to destroy this place,” he said softly.

Relief almost overwhelmed Haldir as he pulled Faramir closer and pressed a kiss to his temple. He’d not relished the idea of being a slave again, but it would have been worth it to be with the man he loved. But this… this was more than he’d dared to even hope for when he’d said goodbye to his brothers less than an hour before. “We will be ready,” he said as his hand moved over Faramir’s back, unconsciously still taking every opportunity to touch him that he could. “If…” He turned to his lover and let their gazes meet, forgetting about Gandalf for the moment. “If you are absolutely sure you can say goodbye to everyone and not regret it… not regret me.”

“My only regret is not admitting how much I loved you before and coming to Gandalf before now,” Faramir whispered. “I almost lost you, and I couldn’t bear that again.” Despite their audience, Faramir kissed his lover gently. “I won’t regret, I want a life with you and if this is how we must do it then it is what we will have to do.”

Haldir sighed into the kiss and let his fingertips trail over his lover’s face as he pulled away. “You will not lose me, I can promise you that,” he smiled. “I am not going anywhere without you… not even to the borders again. I am not foolish to even think I could live without you.” With another kiss to the soft lips before him, he turned and gave Gandalf a look that almost dazzled the old wizard with its pure, unadulterated happiness. He stood, pulled Faramir up with him, but not releasing his hold on him. “We will be ready within the hour, my old friend. We have already decided we will not need to pack much. How can we ever thank you?”

Faramir almost laughed when Haldir said they didn’t need to pack much and smiled. “Thank you, Gandalf, for everything,” he said happily.

Gandalf merely smiled at the pair, he’d been so angry with Faramir at first but now he understood. They simply belonged together and if the world had been different they’d likely have met and fallen in love in quite a different way. “Come back here when you are ready and we will leave. It is a long journey, but I can promise you that you’ll be pleased when you get there,” he explained. He watched as the pair left and sat back down on the chair shaking his head. If only more were like that, maybe all of this would end?

The trip had been long; it took almost two weeks to reach the village in a small valley tucked away at the base of the mountains. When they’d arrived, Haldir and Faramir had both been taken by surprise at how beautiful it was. Neither of them had imagined it would be more than a crude village really, but it wasn’t it was almost a small city nestled there. Elves and Men interacted as normal as anyone could imagine. There were children playing happily, and there were couples of all types.

Gandalf led them down into the valley and stopped before a small house built of stone. He told them that it would be their home and Faramir gaped at him. He wasn’t sure what he expected, perhaps to build their own home not simply be given one. Gandalf explained that each home was built by the last couple to arrive, they would build it in hope for the next ones. Due to the fact that couples could not dally before they left for their new life there was no time to plan for such things. This made it easier, and brought the members of the village to befriend each other more easily. So in truth Haldir and Faramir would be building a house, only not their own.

Saying goodbye to Gandalf the pair walked into their new home and Faramir took a deep breath. “It’s perfect isn’t it?” he asked Haldir as he too looked around their new home.

Haldir wrapped both arms around Faramir and smiled as he breathed in the scent of the man he loved so dearly. “More perfect than I could have imagined,” he said softly. “I have a feeling we’re both going to be very, very happy here.”

Faramir smiled and leaned back into Haldir’s embrace. “I know we are,” he whispered. “Because we’re together.” Turning in his lover’s arms he smiled. “We should perhaps explore our new home a little… what do you think?” Faramir leaned in and nibbled at Haldir’s bottom lip. “Perhaps find out where our bedroom is first?” They hadn’t been intimate much on their trip, both feeling a little uncomfortable doing such things with Gandalf there.

“Mmmm…” Haldir let his tongue snake out to lick at his lover’s lips and nodded. “I think perhaps you have the best ideas of anyone on all of Arda.” Hand in hand, they made their way across the room, choosing the correct door on their first try. Inside was a cozy bed covered with blankets and pillows, a large, ornate hand-carved chest of drawers, a small desk, and a fireplace with a roaring fire that Haldir suspected Gandalf had a hand in lighting before he’d left. “I am glad the bedroom is so nice,” he mused, “as I hope to be spending a lot of our time in here…”

Faramir laughed softly as Haldir spoke, agreeing with his lover. It was almost as if it were a dream, a very happy one. Faramir wasted no time in pulling his lover close and working at the fastenings of his tunic. Once the dark material was pushed from perfect shoulder’s Faramir’s lips pressed against pale Elven skin. “Gods, I missed touching you… I felt awkward doing anything with Gandalf only a few feet away.”

Laughing softly, Haldir released the fastenings on Faramir’s tunic as well. It was thrown on the floor beside them moments later as his hands moved over the smooth skin he knew so well. “As did I. Not that I did not enjoy having my arms around you every night, but, Gods, I missed making love with you. If he did not have senses as keen as an Elf’s, I’d have spirited you off for a while and begged you to take me up against the nearest tree. He would have heard though… even if we were leagues away, he would have heard, I think, and looked at us with that look that always makes me feel like I have been a very bad Elfling…”

Faramir laughed softly, even as his hands continued to roam across Haldir’s skin. “I know, and he would have loved teasing us I’m sure,” he grinned as he pulled Haldir backwards toward the bed. “As wonderful as that tree idea sounds, I think this bed will be much more comfortable,” he whispered as he pulled Haldir down on top of him. Their lips met in a deep kiss as they both worked to toe off their boots and their hands continued to explore. Faramir’s fingers slipped the golden combs from Haldir’s hair and tossed them onto the nightstand beside the bed. He smiled up at his lover breathlessly as golden hair cascaded around them. “Gods, you are beautiful.”

Haldir leaned down and nuzzled against Faramir’s neck as he blushed from the compliment. “I am glad you think so, since you seem to be quite stuck with me,” he murmured. He was already growing hard behind the lacings of his breeches and could feel his lover’s own rigid length pressing against his hip as well. “I am glad you saw me that day, and wanted me… though if I remember correctly, I had to hold a knife to your throat to actually get you to finally touch me.” He licked at Faramir’s neck as he teased him, remembering that day almost a year ago when he thought he’d go mad from being denied his master’s touch. “I still feel guilty about that you know, but you were driving me crazy, being so close, yet so far away at the same time.”

Shaking his head, Faramir reached up and caressed his lover’s face. “Don’t feel guilty, I should never have made that silly vow not to touch you. I was confused by what I felt for you. I wanted you so much, wanted you to be mine, but I couldn’t bring myself to force you to do anything, so I simply tortured us both I think. I remember nights I lay beside you wanting to touch you, hoping that somehow in the night we’d turn to one another… but we didn’t.” Faramir shifted slightly under his lover and gasped as his arousal rubbed against Haldir.

Leaning on one arm, Haldir slid his free hand between them and deftly unlaced his lover’s breeches. Moments later, his fingers were wrapped firmly around the warm length that curved up against Faramir’s stomach, and he squeezed the swollen flesh gently as he began to rock his hips. “We will have the rest of our lives to make up for all those nights we did not touch each other,” he promised. “Starting today, this moment… the beginning of the lives we were meant to lead.” As he spoke, he moved down Faramir’s body, kissing and licking at all his favorite spots. Even as his lover’s breeches were peeled from his legs, Haldir’s mouth was sinking down around his erection, stopping only when the mushroomed head touched the back of his throat. Long Elven fingers reached up to tangle with Faramir’s as he worked licked and sucked at the swollen flesh, smiling when Faramir began to move beneath him.

Moving under his lover as a knowing hand wrapped around him, Faramir moaned softly and let his hands slide down his lover’s back to rest on his backside, pulling him firmly against him. He smiled feeling his heart swell in his chest as Haldir whispered the lives they were meant to lead, but his smile slipped away into a soft gasp as a warm mouth sunk around him. “Oh Gods, love,” he gasped, unable to stop himself from arching upwards, wanting to know more of his lover’s touch. “Gods, I want you in every way one can imagine,” he whispered honestly.

“Then you shall have me in every way one can imagine,” Haldir murmured, thinking about the small package Boromir had given him before they left, asking him to surprise Faramir with it when the time was right. There was every kind of phallus and cock ring and restraint imaginable inside the small box, and Haldir couldn’t wait to show it all to his lover. His lips moved down to lick at the heavy sac that hung below Faramir’s arousal, and he sucked each of the delicate globes inside the warmth of his mouth one by one as he removed his own breeches. “Tell me what you want first, love.”

“You, Gods, just you Haldir,” Faramir whispered breathlessly. “Make me yours, love,” he murmured after a moment. It was driving him crazy the feel of Haldir’s mouth on him again after so many days. His hips moved of their own accord and all he knew was that he wanted to feel his lover lost inside him.

Pulling away only long enough to wet his fingers with his tongue, Haldir returned to his ministrations and gently worked one, then two fingers inside his lover. His arousal was hot and hard against his stomach, and it felt like years, not weeks since he’d made love Faramir. His tongue and lips worked the organ in his mouth as he prepared the tight passage, keeping Faramir just on edge, but not wanting him to come just yet. As he pulled his fingers away, he wet them again, then prepared himself quickly even as he pressed the head of his arousal against the man he loved, slipping smoothly inside him. “Wait if you can,” he murmured. “Come inside me, love… I’ll be ready for you.”

Faramir was writhing on the bed, as first one finger pressed inside him and then another. It had been a few weeks since they’d made love, so his muscles were tighter than normal but soon gave way under his lover’s gentle touch. His body relaxed even more as Haldir’s mouth continued to work his arousal and he gasped when his lover drew away again. He felt empty and his hips moved in needy little arcs as if begging to be filled again. He moaned when Haldir said to wait, and hoped that he could. Just as his lover pressed forward, he felt the burn and stretch of his muscles but Gods it felt wonderful. “Yes… Gods, yes,” he moaned as his hips lifted from the bed wantonly.

Haldir slid in even deeper as Faramir moved beneath him, arching up off the bed as he gave himself completely over to the lovemaking. He reached forward, hooking his hands underneath Faramir’s shoulders and began thrusting, moving with maddening slowness, trying to make it last as long as possible for them both. He kept his back arched, so there would be no friction against his lover’s arousal… not yet anyway… but his upper body leaned forward and he captured sweet, already kiss-swollen lips with his own as their mouths sealed together. He was happier and more content that he’d ever imagined, and he felt, for the first time in his life, his faer stirring inside him, wanting to reach out and envelop the man in his arms completely.

Faramir moaned as Haldir drove into him, each slow thrust deeper than the last. His legs wrapped around his lover, but even then he could feel no pressure or friction against his arousal and almost begged for it. Then his lips were captured in a passionate kiss though, and he lost all sense of time as they kissed, feeling warm and content and happiness that seemed to grow from within him. They had loved one another often in the last year but this somehow felt different, more special though he wasn’t sure why or how.

It didn’t take long at all of Haldir’s slow and easy thrusts to become erratic as he drew closer and closer to the edge. He kept his faer under control, somehow until just before he was ready to come. He stopped at the last moment, however, and looked deep into his lover’s eyes. They had given up everything for each other, but he couldn’t bond without asking Faramir first. Gritting his teeth and holding perfectly still, knowing it would take only a few more thrusts to lose all control, he rested his weight on both arms and panted as he studied the dear face before him. He would die when Faramir did if they bonded, but he had no wish to stay anywhere, even here, in his tiny village that offered them so much hope, without him. “Let me bind my faer to you?” he whispered softly. “Right here, right now, let me make us as one?”

Faramir was caught up in their lovemaking, trying to hold back as Haldir had asked him to but Gods it felt so wonderful. Their pace grew faster and he knew his lover was close, could feel the tension of his muscles and then suddenly Haldir stopped. Faramir’s eyes opened wide, wondering why and stared at his lover, unsure of all that he saw in those beautiful blue eyes. The words washed over him and he had to take a deep breath. He knew what it meant for an Elf to bond. At first he wanted to say no of course he didn’t want Haldir to tie his life to his and die with him but then he realized if he were in Haldir’s place he would do exactly the same. Not wishing to go on without the love of his partner. He nodded slowly as a smile spread across his face. “Yes, a thousand times yes, my love,” he whispered. “I wish to be yours in every way… my heart and my soul, my life… everything.”

Haldir leaned back down and kissed his lover again as he began to thrust, picking up where he left off, but this time letting his faer have free reign, not even trying to hold anything back. As expected, it took only moments for his release to slam in to him, and as his very essence filled Faramir’s body, his soul did the same, gently wrapping the man he loved in warmth and peacefulness and happiness like neither of them had ever known, much like the warmest of blankets on the coldest of nights. They were bound together at that moment, their lives intertwined forever, for better or worse… though Haldir was certain it would always, always be for the better. He pulled away from the kiss, breathing heavily, and smiled down at his lover. “I love you,” he whispered as he rolled them both over until he was lying beneath Faramir, knowing he must be desperate for his own release. HIs hips shifted until Faramir’s arousal was pressed against him, and he slowly pulled his lover closer, impaling himself inch by inch. “Our faers are one, and nothing can ever separate us.”

Faramir moaned as Haldir began to move again, his body craving even more as the pace sped to match what it was before, but this time he could feel something. A stirring of his soul within him, a warmth surrounding him and then suddenly just as Haldir’s release pulsed inside him, a golden glow seemed to settle around them both. He could feel Haldir’s faer wrap around him and knew the descriptions he’d read of it and heard of from others paled in comparison to the truth. “I love you,” he gasped as his lover rolled them over and slipped from inside him. Before he knew it his aching arousal was pressed against his lover and slowly he was sinking inside. “Oh Gods, love,” he gasped as the tight heat surrounded him. He knew it wouldn’t take but a few thrusts before he would lose control and he leaned forward kissing Haldir gently. “One… always as one,” he murmured against perfect lips. His body began to move when he felt Haldir’s relax around him and he pulled away from the kiss. “I’m not going to last long,” he whispered.

“Come for me then,” Haldir whispered, still breathing hard, letting his hands run over the smooth, firm muscles of his lover’s back, pulling him in deeper with each thrust. “Don’t hold back love… let me feel you.”

With that softly whispered command, Faramir did lose control. He cried out as he thrust deep inside his lover and spilled hot and slick within him. Leaning forward, he captured Haldir’s lips again in a deep kiss and was panting and trembling when they drew apart again. “I love you.”

Haldir wrapped his legs tight around Faramir’s waist, and his arms around broad shoulders as they kissed. Looking up into sparkling blue eyes, he smiled and knew that bonding here, now, had been the right decision. “I love you, my lovely one,” he whispered, letting his fingernails gently scratch Faramir’s back , but holding him firmly in place with strong Elven legs. “I shouldn’t have sprung this bonding on you like that, but… it felt right. It felt… perfect.”

Faramir shook his head. “It was perfect, I would have said yes no matter when or where you’d have asked… so don’t worry, love,” he whispered. His back arched a little and he shifted, his softening length slid from his lover. Still shaking from his release Faramir settled beside Haldir on the soft bed. “I never dreamed I could be this happy, the entire year since we met all I did was fear each day passing too quickly… and now we have a lifetime.”

Resting his head on Faramir’s shoulder and snuggling close, Haldir nodded and closed his eyes. “Aye… we do at that. And… well…” His voice trailed off, and his face flushed a bit, but he continued. He was spending the rest of his life with Faramir after all, so they should be able to speak freely to one another about anything. “I was wondering if… well… now and then you could… um… kind of pretend I’m your slave again and give me orders like we did at the citadel. Just as a bit of a… game. The tone of your voice and some of the things you had me do… it was all quite erotic at times, you know…”

Faramir leaned up to regard his lover and smiled. “Only if you will agree to the same, do you remember the night of the festival where I asked you to be my master that night? I’d… really like to try that again sometime,” he whispered in response. “Equals in everything now, publicly and privately.”

“Oh, I remember,” Haldir grinned. “I remember it very well. And… I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you that your brother sent along a few… gifts. He said you’d know where they came from, and if we didn’t know how to use them, to just spend the rest of our lives figuring it out. I must admit… some of them look rather… interesting to say the least…”

Faramir’s face turned quite a bright shade of red as Haldir spoke but he grinned. “I remember the place… and I think perhaps we might find a use for all those things over the years,” he whispered. “Did anything in particular spark your interest?” He almost giggled at the look in Haldir’s eyes.

“Well, honestly, there was this rather intricate looking ring… and some leather restraints… and… this rather wide phallus… and…” Haldir named each of the toys he’d carried from Gondor as he tried not to blush too much. By the time he was finished, however, both he and his lover were rather… interested in the gifts Boromir had sent. “But, never doubt, that while the toys might be a nice way to pass a few hours, you’re the only one I really want,” he whispered, resting his head over Faramir’s heart and sighing happily.

Faramir’s eyes widened a bit as Haldir named off the contents of Boromir’s gift. His eyebrow raised at a few of the item, curious now himself, but he smiled when Haldir snuggled against him again. “And you’re all I really want,” he whispered honestly. Faramir’s arms tightened around his mate and pulled him closer. Their lives would be different now certainly but filled with a happiness neither of them could have experienced if they’d remained in Gondor or even Lothlórien.

Haldir thought about the last year – his capture, his threats to his new master, the fake punishment, the real one, his jealousy and possessiveness, Faramir taking care of him when he’d been injured, the realization that he could never be happy without Faramir in his life, and all the little moments between… the moments that he’d shared with this man who could have been cold and cruel, but had somehow, against all odds, showed him nothing but love and kindness and compassion. He knew he was a lucky Elf indeed to have caught Faramir’s eye that day, and he would have changed nothing about the past year – nothing at all, because everything had added up to bring them to this village, and this moment. And in all his long years, Haldir had never known such peace and joy. He planned on making sure Faramir knew nothing but that as well, for the rest of their lives.

The End.

NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]

Enjoyed this story? Then be sure to let the author know by posting a comment at https://www.faramirfiction.com/fiction/only-if. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!