Live To Fight Again
by Samantha

Éomer's fists were clenched so tightly around Gríma's fusty robes that his knuckles had become white with rage. He could smell the advisor's stinking breath as it slithered through yellow teeth, and Éomer watched in sudden understanding of his foul intentions, as Gríma's cold black eyes moved their gaze across the great hall towards his sister. It was all the Horse Master could do to suppress the temptation in his mind, telling him to draw his sword and run him through. Gríma's expression changed from one of apprehension, to one of evil contentment as Éomer heard footsteps behind him. He turned to find four of Gríma's henchmen grabbing at his arms. As they overwhelmed him he was dragged backwards, releasing Gríma from his choking grasp.

One of the men grabbed Éomer's blonde locks and jerked his head sharply backwards to meet Gríma's eye. "You see much Éomer son of Éomund, too much," said Gríma. The men held the Horse Lord tightly as a fist was buried deep into his stomach, it caused him to double over in pain as all breath was expelled so unexpectedly from his body.

Gríma continued, "You are banished forthwith from the Kingdom of Rohan and all it's domains, under pain of death." He hissed the poisonous words and smiled in admiration of his own cunning.

"You have no authority here, your orders mean nothing!" growled the Horse Master, struggling against his captors' restraints but unable to break free.

"The order doesn't come from me," Gríma smirked. "It comes from the King, he signed it this morning." Gríma shook open the signed scroll to reveal Théoden's shaky and unwitting signature. "Take him away," he commanded, waving the men from his sight. The men punched Éomer hard it the gut again and he lost his footing unable to catch his breath.

"Lets have some fun with this one," said the largest of the men as they dragged him from the main hall and out into the deserted stables. The Rohirrim had departed the day before on patrol and there were all but a handful of loyal men left in Edoras.

Éomer was strong, but unarmed and no match for the four formidable men as they bound his hands excitedly and tied him roughly to the stalls. He attempted to free himself like a frightened animal thrashing in a trap, but it was hopeless; the ropes tightened further and began to eat into his wrists. "I need to see some flesh," said the largest of the men as he beckoned to the others to strip the tunic from their victim's back. It wasn't until he heard the swirl of the horse whip on the stable floor that Éomer realised his captors' intentions, and he braced himself.

The whip was thrown back sharply and then brought crashing down mercilessly with such force that the man's feet nearly left the ground. It hissed through the air before bearing down on Éomer's back, the leather beads slashing against his skin with a loud crack. Although anticipating the punishment, Éomer could not contain the unspeakable agony and let out a cry of pain. "That one was for your dead Father, slain by Orcs," the man sneered. His hatred for the privileged Horse Master was apparent, as though wishing to gain retribution for some past grievance. "This one, this is for your sister, who will soon become Gríma's whore." The whip once again swirled around the floor, it cracked as it was flung backwards and then came soaring down brutally once again to lick around Éomer's back and right side. Again and again the whip was brandished, with all the power and cruelty the men possessed. Éomer now only managed a whimper in acknowledgement of his torture as it came crashing down around him: the flesh being torn from his back, the lacerations criss-crossing and mutilating him as he writhed in agony beneath.

Weak from his punishment, Éomer slipped quietly into the darkness of his unconsciousness. Here he was safe: no more pain, no more harsh words, no more torment. His back was raw and bleeding uncontrollably, the raised red lines inflamed and angry as they licked around his sides hugging at his torso. Never had he been abused in such a way and never had he abused another. The men, each having eagerly taken their turn with the whip until they could raise their arms no more, surrendered to feelings of hunger. Walking over to Éomer they grabbed his hair and lifted his head. "He'll keep till later," one man said dropping Éomer to the stable floor. They trudged off laughing, trying to decide what fun they could have on their return. "Never had royalty before," one man jeered, "hope he likes it rough."

An hour passed and Éomer began to blink as his shoulder was shaken. "You have to wake, my Lord." The voice was distant and Éomer wanted to return to the depths of darkness which had protected him in his silent slumber. Gamling leant over him in horror, surveying the severity of the deep wounds to his back. He untied his hands from their restraints, and saw the rope marks had severed deeply into Éomer's wrists. Gamling threw the blood stained rope into the thick straw in disgust. Once again he tried to revive him. "Please Éomer," he begged. "You have to wake, they will return soon, you must wake up." Éomer slowly opened his eyes, recognising his friend's voice, he could not speak; his throat was dry and the pain from his wounds too intense to bear. Gamling lifted him slowly to his feet and eased him onto Firefoot's back. "Your armour and weapons are in the saddle, you must leave now."

"Come with me, Gamling," Éomer rasped.

"No my Lord, I cannot, I have to stay in Edoras—" he said, but was cut short by Éomer, his face full of despair.

"You see me defeated and would disobey my orders. Have you lost respect for me already, Gamling?"

"No, my Lord, I will stay for your sister, to see that she is safe from Gríma's grasp. I will stay to protect your King whilst he sleeps. I would never disobey you."

Éomer nodded. "I am sorry, my loyal friend," he sighed remorsefully, " I should not have doubted you." They gripped each other's arms in solidarity and Gamling lead Firefoot silently from the stables to the main gateway and out of Edoras.

"Ride West for the Gap of Rohan," he explained, " the Rohirrim patrol is there. You can intercept them on their return. Tell them what has happened, they will take care of you." Éomer slumped forwards slightly in his saddle trembling with pain, his weight being supported by Firefoot's strong neck. Gamling knew that Éomer was a fine horseman, and even with the apparent anguish of his suffering, Gamling was sure that wrapped in the dark blanket of night he would make it to safety.

For one day and one night Firefoot galloped on. Exhausted, he finally came to stand by a stream near the Westfold. As he lowered his head to drink, Éomer slid from his back onto the ground. He hit the ground with a thump, his face coming to rest in the soft earth. Now exhausted and hungry, the pain overwhelming his thoughts, he was unable to move. He lay lifeless, not noticing the figure now standing over him.

Haldir knelt down besides the near-lifeless body. He could tell from the colours of the horse's cloth that the man lying before him was of great importance. Éomer's lips were dry, his eyes tightly shut, and his head rolled slowly from one side to the other as he murmured incoherent mutterings. Through heightened senses, Haldir could smell the dried blood on his clothes and knew that he had to work quickly. He removed the tunic and gasped in dismay at the deep gashes on Éomer's back. He found himself staring for a moment.

'Who would have punished this man so relentlessly?' he thought. The blood had begun to thicken, but this had done nothing to lessen the horror. Haldir lay Éomer down gently on a blanket and continued to remove the rest of his clothes. As he unlaced his breeches and slid them carefully down over his hips and thighs, the man's cock was revealed, nestling on a bed of barley-coloured curls. Haldir couldn't help but stare, and he took a moment to marvel at the muscular body. It was rugged, but powerful and alluring. He had never tended a man before and found him strangely arousing. As the man lay before him now completely naked, he couldn't help but notice the hair on his body: it looked coarse but was smooth and tickling to his senses as he brushed over it.

Haldir quickly collected some water from the stream, and whispering some elvish words he enchanted it with his magic. Slowly he began to trickle the water over Éomer's body. It was cooling, and soothed the burning pain, soothed the aching muscles. Haldir took his time and slowly stroked over every inch of Éomer's body, cleansing, healing, admiring, exploring. He felt ashamed as his cock bulged in its restraints, his thoughts straying from the urgency of the task at hand to his own carnal desire for the man lying helpless in front of him.

Éomer awoke the next morning to the smell of breakfast cooking. The pain had eased, he was comfortable, lying on a soft bed with a warm blanket over his shoulders. He looked around expecting to see the Rohirrim, and was surprised to see a lone figure kneeling down, gently stirring a cooking pot as he prepared what he hoped was breakfast. He had not seen an elf since he was a small child and was immediately wary of the figure. He stared at him for a while, his concerns slowly ebbing away. 'He's so beautiful,' he thought to himself as his mind began to drift. Haldir's long golden hair slid down his back like silk. His skin was pale and perfectly smooth as though untouched by the sun, and his lips were as red as luscious berries in summer time.

Éomer shook himself from his musings, suddenly realising that he was naked. His feelings for his new companion were becoming apparently obvious as his arousal began to lift the blanket, the soft wool kissing against his skin.

Haldir raised himself up and gracefully walked over to Éomer, who watched him in awe. "Welcome back," said Haldir, as he held out a bowl of hot food for Éomer to take.

"Who are you?" Éomer asked inquisitively, gratefully accepting the bowl and tentatively leaning up on one elbow to allow himself to eat.

"I am Haldir of the Woodland Elves," he replied, "Your wounds have been tended, my friend. What did you do to deserve such punishment?" Haldir stared into Éomer's eyes, noticing for the first time the beautiful hazel gaze that looked upon him.

" My only crime was to remain loyal to Rohan and to my King." Éomer lowered the bowl of food, moving uneasily to look up and view the elf's reaction. "There is great evil spreading through these lands," he warned, "You are not safe here, Haldir of the Woodland Realm."

"You are concerned for my safety," the elf chuckled. "It should be I that is concerned for you."

After Éomer had eaten his food, Haldir asked to check his wounds and the man slid cautiously onto his side. The elf's hands slowly caressed his back and sides, his touch was as soft as whispering breath, like nothing Éomer had ever experienced before. He became aroused by the sensual touch and wished that the elf's hands would stray to relieve the aching pain growing in other parts of his body.

Haldir rolled him over onto his back, he smiled at the confused and intense gaze on the Horse Master's face. " You will stay here one more night, then you can meet your patrol. I passed them not two days ago by the Gap of Rohan. They will stop here to rest on their return."

Éomer nodded. His heart was sad that his encounter with this beautiful elf would soon be over. He could tell that he was honourable, and so attempted to discourage the feelings now pulsing heavily in his loins.

Throughout the day, Éomer discreetly watched Haldir. His movements were mesmerising and graceful, yet Éomer could tell that he was a fine warrior. He spent most of the day checking weapons and armour and in the evening he lit a fire in order to prepare their evening meal. As darkness fell the embers glowed against their faces, warm and comforting. Awkward glances and lingering stares were exchanged as they secretly searched over each other's bodies, imaginations taking them away to places they dared not go.

That evening Haldir prepared the food once again and knelt next to Éomer, gently lifting his head and helping him to eat. The touch of the elf's hand cradling his head brought lustful thoughts to his mind. The elf in turn was delighting in the feel of Éomer's long hair as it became intertwined with his fingers in a welcoming embrace. When Éomer had finished the bowl of hearty broth, Haldir placed it on the floor, but was reluctant to release the man's head from his grasp. Instead he eagerly placed it gently on his lap and began to stroke at his long wavy hair.

"I can see the torment in your eyes, Éomer Horse Master. Let me comfort you," he said, smiling.

" I wasn't strong enough," said Éomer looking up at him. "I left my kin to their fate, I—I feel so ashamed." His eyes became heavy with tears but the elf continued to stroke his head gently and lovingly. Not since he had felt the loving touch of his mothers hand as a child had Éomer been comforted in this way.

Haldir wanted to hold him tight, to abandon all restraints in his mind. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Éomer. You have survived a great punishment and will live to fight again as the victorious warrior that you are." Éomer took the words to his heart and they warmed him.

The elf watched him breathe softly and slowly in the warm glow of the fire. He looked so peaceful, childlike and innocent as he rested. His shaggy mane cascading over the pillow, and his strong muscular arms hugging the blanket where Haldir desired to be. Memories of cleansing every inch of Éomer's body were fresh in his mind and made him feel flushed and aroused, his loins pulsing and twitching at the thought. 'I could have stolen a kiss,' he thought to himself. 'I could have caressed him.'

The elf's thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Éomer sat up abruptly, running his fingers through his hair in despair. It was the first time he had tried to rise from his bed and Haldir moved closer to steady him.

The elf tried to offer words of comfort, " I am meeting a party of elves tomorrow," he said. "Woodland elves, we are being summoned to Middle Earth for some great purpose. If I can help your sister, I promise that I will. I give you my word." He placed an arm around Éomer's shoulders to comfort him, and the man immediately turned to face his companion.

They were so close that their breath was shared. Their lips were poised, open, waiting for someone to make the first move, each hoping that the other would reciprocate. It had been a while since either of them had shared such intimacy. They hesitated for a moment as their eyes searched over one another's face for a window into their true feelings.

Haldir leaned forwards and softly kissed Éomer's mouth. Éomer sighed in relief and began to breathe heavily, his heart pounding in his chest in anticipation. All previous inhibitions paled into insignificance and Éomer paused for a moment. " I desire you elf," he said. He forced his lips lustfully against his companion, and plunged his tongue deep into the elf's mouth, pulling him close. The taste was sweet and inviting as their tongues inquisitively entwined exploring and plundering.

The tension of the day erupted as hands began to wander lustfully over flesh and under clothes, in a frantic search for what had previously been forbidden in their minds. Haldir glided his hands over Éomer's bare chest, twirling the hairs that had intrigued him so much on their first encounter. He broke their kiss only to move his lips around Éomer's jaw line ravishing and searching down his neck. The fine facial hair tickled his mouth, Éomer moaned at the gentle sensual touch of the elf and leaned his head backwards in ecstasy. As Haldir moved down Éomer's body to lick intensely at his already erect and sensitive nipple, Éomer grabbed Haldir's tunic and raised it above his head, tossing it unceremoniously to one side. His fingers working at the elf's breeches, which could no longer contain his swelling cock. As the laces were worked free, the breeches slackened and Haldir's cock bounced forwards as if in a desperate bid for freedom.

The elf's skin was so smooth, and he was more beautiful than anything Éomer had ever seen before. He wanted to feel the warmth of that soft skin against his own. Haldir's hands slowly wandered down Éomer's thighs, the sensation making him quiver.

"I want to taste you," said the elf, moving his head downwards, his fingers lightly grazing over Éomer's arousal. Éomer gasped and slowly lay back in silent agreement, only lifting his head to watch those succulent berry lips closing in around the head of his cock, and to take in the sight of the beautiful elf lying between his thighs. Haldir licked slowly up and down the shaft, flickering and teasing at the already pulsating arousal before plunging it deep into his mouth. Engulfed in the warm moisture, Éomer moaned, the pleasure too much to bear. Haldir's blonde hair traced and ticked over his stomach and thighs as the elf's head eased smoothly back and forth. Éomer could feel the wet tongue dancing around his cock as it was greedily sucked harder and harder. Increasing in momentum it began to hit the back of the elf's throat. Éomer's hips reared upwards as he was eager to be swallowed whole.

Haldir expertly fisted the man's cock until Éomer arched his back rigidly, "Yes Haldir," he cried "yes!" The orgasm ripped through his entire body and he released his seed, shooting it hard and fast into the wet cavern. After ravenously licking every drop, the elf let the satisfied cock slip from his lips. Éomer grasped his lover and pulled him close.

Regaining his breath, the man slowly raised his knees to his chest in invitation. "I want you to take me, Haldir," he said. "I want to feel you inside me." Éomer looked intensely into Haldir's eyes beckoning him to comply.

"But you are not yet healed," said the elf, looking at him lovingly.

"Please Haldir, I will feel complete with you embedded deep inside me. Don't make me beg you."

Haldir smiled at the provocative words, his heart now pounding hard in his chest. How could he deny this beautiful man's desperate plea for absolution? He reached for a bottle of oil from his pack. Pouring a small amount of the golden liquid into his palm, he began to slowly glide it around the length of his cock. It was already dripping with pre-cum, aroused by his own oral performance and the sight of the naked man offering himself so freely beneath him.

Éomer couldn't help but gaze at the elf's cock in admiration. It was thick but so silky smooth, dripping and glistening in the glow from the fire.

Haldir knelt down between Éomer's strong thighs, and he forced his legs a little wider apart as he leaned in. A look of expectancy and apprehension on his face as to the delights that awaited him below. He placed his hand next to Éomer's seductive opening and carefully eased a finger inside. Éomer impatiently rocked against him, longing to be breached, as the finger worked it's way steadily deeper and deeper until it was buried within him. The man's muscles relaxed as they became accustomed to the intrusion. Unable to wait any longer, Haldir removed the finger and nudged at the opening with the head of his aching cock. As it slowly slid inside, Éomer's body engulfed his smooth shaft so completely, the heat drawing the pulsing member inwards, and sheathing the elf to the hilt. They both moaned with pleasure: it was every thing they had expected and more.

Wanting to be stretched to the point of ecstasy, Éomer placed his hands on his knees and pulled his legs higher towards his chest so that his lover could enter more deeply. Haldir was gentle at first, his thrusts short and shallow. Both men continued to moan at the sexual pleasure consuming their bodies. The elf withdrew his cock from where it was encased with agonising slowness, but just before the head was released, he slid it back into the tightness again in a smooth forceful motion, deeper and harder than before.

The timely cool breeze of the night crept over their bodies, caressing and restoring vigour to the elf's thrusts." Harder Haldir," Éomer cried, " I can take it." He opened his eyes to watch the beautiful elf, as he began pounding hard against his arse. Both men whimpering at the added pressure building within them. This was not normally the elf's way; he had never lost control before. His actions were always so graceful and deliberate, but the feel of the man was too much to bear. He wanted to please him, and he felt a lust he had never felt before with his own kind. This magnificent creature was submitting beneath him, he was pleading with him for more.

Haldir changed position slightly and found Éomer's spot, brushing against the small nub with each frantic thrust. Éomer's body began to jerk involuntarily, he let out a cry of pleasure, tightening around Haldir's cock in rapturous spasms. The elf couldn't hold on any longer, and he abandoned all control. Slamming his hips forwards thrice more, he cried out as he filled Éomer, warming the man's insides with his cum. "Arrghhh," he gasped, and collapsed next to his lover on the blanket. Éomer reached over to hold him tightly and they lay in each other's inseparable arms.

" Are your wounds comfortable?" Haldir asked, still panting for breath.

"Comfortable? My flesh is reborn beyond all comprehension," replied the smiling Horse Master, for never had he experienced such passion.

They slept where they lay, and when Éomer awoke at first light Haldir was already reluctantly preparing to move out. He was dressed in a flowing red cloak with a glint of silver armour peeping through underneath. "Your men will arrive soon," he said, kissing Éomer softly on the forehead and tracing his hand around his face.

"How could you know that?" asked Éomer.

"I'm an elf: I can hear things that you cannot," he said, smiling and heaving the saddle up onto Éomer's horse in preparation for his impending departure.

They ate breakfast together quietly, exchanging glances and smiling at one another. "I wish that things were different," said Éomer, wanting to let the elf know the feelings weighing heavily on his heart. "I wish that these dark times would pass and that we could be together."

"Maybe one day, when Sauron is no more, we will be," replied Haldir. " I will find you."

"I do not wish for you to leave," said Éomer, his expression sad and inconsolable. " Come with me Haldir, ride by my side?"

The elf smiled. "With all my valiant heart I wish I could say yes, but duty is calling me to arms, and you understand that I must obey."

Within the hour the Rohirrim arrived. The company was forty strong and the sight was impressive to the eye as thunderous hooves came to rest at the water's edge. They were surprised to see Éomer there, though their admiration and respect was apparent. He told them of Gríma's mutinous intervention, and of how the poisonous counsellor had condemned him. The patrol agreed to unite under the Horse Master's command, and it was obvious to Haldir that these men where loyal and loved him. Haldir had never seen Éomer in full armour before and his heart danced at the sight of the magnificent Lord Marshal in front of him. "We will ride North to Fangorn," Éomer instructed the troops, issuing his first command as the horde assembled and prepared to move out.

"Live to fight again," whispered Haldir with a knowing smile.

Éomer stared into the elf's eyes, grasping his forearms in unity." You are a great warrior, my friend, and a great healer. Whatever your purpose in these lands, be safe, may the magic of your kin keep you from harm." Éomer's head tilted a little to one side, emphasising his sincerity, his eyes gazing downwards in great sadness. He slowly looked up. "Until we are together again," he said.

Both wished they had more time together, and were constantly reliving the previous night in their minds. They held each other only for a brief moment, so as not to arouse suspicion amongst the men as to their true feelings.

Thus it was that Haldir kept his original promise to Éomer, and seven days later he gave his life at Helm's Deep to help save Lady Éowyn and the other women and children of Rohan. The two lovers were never to see each other again.

End

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