A New Life (Lokiswoman)

[W1nchester]

Yuletime was Daeron's favorite time of year. Crowds upon crowds of men, elves, and hobbits flocked to their homes, or went on familiar outings. Rivendell was a wonderful attraction for the Yuletide season. Tourists came to see the beautiful scenery, and luxurious elves from Mirkwood would come to trade goods for the holiday, or to visit Lord Elrond's massive palace to "spread the good tidings."

Good tidings weren't entirely on his mind. The only thing he cared about was pick-pocketing careless tourists as he passed them by. He was wearing a reddish brown cloak with a hood, that fell to the middle of his stomach. Underneath was a brown leather vest and a slightly dirty leaf green shirt. He wore brown, light cloth trousers that were too big for him. He had a belt with a silver buckle that he used to fasten his pants to his hips. He then wore high leather boots with thick soles.

His hair was red as fire, and he wore it tucked behind his exceptionally long, and pierced ears, tied into a low bun. Were it loose, it would fall to his lower back, right above his bottom. His eyes were blue like the sky, but shaded due to the way the hood was shadowing his face. His skin was light pink, and his body type was tall and slender.

He moved easily though the crowds, stuffing bags of jewels into the pockets of his pants, and the inside of his vest, and his drawstring bag. He had acquired four heavy bags before bumping into Lord Sadron of Mirkwood, whom he had at first not recognized until his intruding hand was snatched into the other male's, the older elf turning to him, probably to inquire what the Hell he was about to reach into his expensive pockets for.

[LadyLoki]

Sadron did not like the crowds that came with the holidays, but he did like the cheer in the air. It was refreshing, after all of the stress of the Harvests and the worries one had to deal with in day-to-day life. He wasn’t joining in the festivities just yet, preferring to watch and keep an eye out. Perhaps he was indeed paranoid, but Sadron would like to keep his purse attached to him during this Yule. The elf was an intimidating presence indeed, but some foolish elf would probably try to center him as a target.

He was a tall man, with lean muscles defined underneath his cloak and tunic. His title as a lord was evident on the clasp of his own black cloak, and the remainder of his clothing was fairly simple. Sadron wasn’t in the mood for fancy trappings, or any of that. Elrond never minded anyway, and he was content to enjoy things as they were. His hair was black and smooth, falling neatly down his back to rest and blend with his cloak. His eyes were a soft brown, contrasting heavily with the rest of his appearance. Sadron was much darker than most of the other fair elves, with his skin being almost olive toned.

His eyes flashed to the side suddenly, and there was a pull to his side. A strong hand followed right after his eyes, and he caught ahold of another hand where it had no place being. Sadron fixed his eyes on whatever fool decided to try this with him, before he paused in surprise. The other elf was beautiful, surprisingly so. He tightened his hold on the smaller one, before pulling him gently off to the side so they would not be slammed by other celebrating people.

“You must either be extremely foolish or extremely brave Little One, to try robbing me.” Sadron said with a raised brow, further examining the other. This one was tall, but the lord was much taller. His bare hand brushed the other’s hand, and the elf pulled back in shock without quite letting go. “Impossible.” Sadron muttered, before shoving the green sleeve back and sighing. There indeed was his mark. This little elfling was his mate. A quick inspection of his own wrist showed an identical mark. “I think we have much to speak about.” He said softly, but his voice wasn’t unkind. Sadron turned, and then began pulling the other into the warmth of a tavern.

[W1nchester]

Daeron began to weave a lie into his head. Something along the lines of, 'Beg my pardon, sir. I tripped and tried to grab the first thing I could to keep from foolishly falling.' As soon as Sadron had turned, his face was masked with an expression of fear, and alarm. Well, that was until he realized how breathtaking the older elf was. It took him so much by surprise, that he let the male drag him off to the side to keep from being bumped into with no protests.

He looked the older elf over. Yes, he knew of Lord Sadron. Who hadn't known of the attractive male? He was known to be mysterious, and dark-seeming, though Daeron, as corny as it may seem, didn't detect a twinge of anything dark about him, apart from his appearance.

"I am not little." He said straight back to the lord, voice deep in register, though still light and airy as most elves' tones were. He blinked as Sadron touched his hand and then forcefully pushed up his sleeve and he was about to protest, when he noticed the odd mark on his arm matched Sadron's...

"Why the Hell do you have that mark?" He blurted as he was dragged into a hearty tavern. "I thought it was an odd birthmark. But apparently it is some form of... what, magic? A spellwork of sorts?" He questioned, not lowering his tone as some may with sensitive matters, nor slowing down for answers. "Don't tell me we're long lost brothers." He added, jokingly, before dead-panning. "Actually, do tell me that. I would very much like to live in the palace of Mirkwood."

[LadyLoki]

“You truly do not know?” Sadron asked in surprise, before sighing softly and then holding their arms side by side. “In elvish culture, there can be two beings who are created to be perfect partners. The concept of a soul mate is a very rare one, and this paring has not been seen for centuries.” He said softly, admiring the marks for a moment longer. “What this means is that you and I are mates, and we have been paired by fate and destiny.” Sadron finished with a small smile, before shrugging a shoulder. “I understand if this is a little bit overwhelming…it is not a common occurrence that this happens.”

The older elf looked back down at the young redhead, before offering a gentle smile. Sadron was just glad his mate seemed to be a fairly intelligent, and beautiful creature. Perhaps more of this being’s personality would shine through…and it was then Sadron realized he had no idea what the redhead’s name was in the first place. He stood up, before offering the other his hand.

“My name is Sadron. What is your name?” He asked, looking around and motioning for one of the waitresses to bring them some wine and bread for the two of them. “I do not want to…force the matter with you, but there are many things now that need to be discussed. You will come live with me in Mirkwood, in the manors that belong to my family, and you will stop this pickpocketing.”

Sadron’s voice became something stern, and his brow quirked upward slightly. “And, I expect you to try an return whose purses you stole. You have no need for that money now, and it is cruel to steal from others…in fact, you were planning to steal from me, were you not?” He asked, fixing the bright blue eyes with his own. “I think you are owed some punishment for that, but we will deal with that at a later date. Unless of course, you wish to argue with me on returning your stolen goods?” Sadron added, taking a sip of wine and waiting for any protests. If there were, his little elfling was going to face a sore bottom much sooner than planned.

[W1nchester]

The young elfling listened to the Lord as he spoke. He rose a ginger eyebrow to his explanation, eyeing the markings as he spoke. He caught the smile, and he found himself feeling kind of... embarrassed. In a good way, he supposed. Like admitting your attractions to someone. Butterflies in the stomach. That sort of thing.

He simply sighed. "I know your name is Sadron." He replied. He hesitated before truthfully answering, "My name is Daeron." He shook Sadron's hand cautiously. He hadn't trusted anyone in a very long time. Just because he was supposed soul mates with someone, didn't mean he was going to tell him everything immediately, and be completely open.

He was surprised to be offered to actually live at Mirkwood. "Hell yeah, I'd like to live in Mirkwood." He replied, before furrowing his eyebrows. "But sorry, bud. Can't return any of these." He said, shaking his head. "No idea who I stole 'em from." He said, leaning back, before looking surprised. "Punish me? How? What do you even mean by that?" He asked, suspicious.

[LadyLoki]

“Then we shall donate it to charity. I am sure if they could afford these jewels, then someone else could use them more.” Sadron said, before smiling slightly and placing a broad hand on the other elf’s shoulder. “I mean, your bottom would be sore for a couple of days. No more than that.”

The older man smiled slightly, before tilting Daeron’s head upward and gazing into the bright blue eyes. “You are something special indeed Little One, now come. We have to go donate those jewels…and then we need to get you new clothing. You cannot come to Lord Elrond’s halls looking like this.” Sadron said with a smile, before raising a brow.

“Please no trouble about donating those jewels Little Love, because I would hate to tan your bottom before we truly get to know one another.” The lord said gently, offering his hand once again and gesturing to the door of the tavern. “It seems we have already caught everyone’s attention.” Sadron added quietly, since now every eye was on the two of them.

[W1nchester]

Daeron watched Lord Sadron as he spoke, frowning a bit. He didn't like the idea of giving up the jewels he had acquired. This year was his biggest gain since three years back. He had enough jewels and coin to buy himself fancy robes and walk about like he was hot stuff. Most importantly, he could afford a feast all for himself, and that stray dog that accompanied him from time to time. He had named the pup Kire, and it was a boy. Ratty brown fur, big brown eyes. Nearly skeletal beforr Daeron began feeding him half of his rations from the week.

Then his eyes widened again. A sore bottom? What could he mean by that? The only thought that came to his mind, was of when he was a child and an elderly man from Rohan had threatened to whip his back, bottom, and legs for stealing from him. He had chased him into the wilderness, that damned crop waving in the man's hand. Did Sadron intend to whip him for misbehavior? Did he plan... to hurt him?

He furrowed his eyebrows in thought, before looking up at him as his face was tilted upwards. He told him to give him no trouble, or he'd be facing said sore backside a lot sooner than expected. Then he glanced around at everyone staring at them. If he did rebel, did he plan on beating him in front of all these people? Would they try to stop him?

He stood up shakily. "Well, a less-than-commoner getting scolded by Lord Sadron in a public tavern." He said quietly, before glancing up at him. "If I am to follow you, I want to bring my pet. He deserves better, too." He told him, cheeks going a little pink. "And I require you to tell me exactly what you mean... by a sore bottom... if you intend to whip me--I'm really not going to accompany you." He said, daring to look up at older elf.

[LadyLoki]

Sadron’s eyes creased briefly in confusion, before his gaze softened when he realized the elfling was afraid. “I do not mind you bringing a pet with you to Mirkwood Little One, so long as he does not create too much mischief. I am certain you will be able to do that on your own.” He teased with a gentle smile. “I do not intend to whip you. I would never do anything like that to my mate. The most that will happen to you is a spanking Elfling. No more than that. If there are other punishments, then we will discuss it when the time comes…but I will never whip you.” Sadron promised, before pressing a light kiss to the top of his little mate’s red hair. “Come. You will never need fear me.”

He took the smaller hand into his own and gave Daeron’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Now, we will visit one of the charity houses and do as I explained before. All of that is going to be donated. You shall never want for anything, and that is a promise.” Sadron said fondly, before leading the way out of the tavern. It was still relatively early, and there were many people still dancing and making merry in the streets. Sadron entered the charity house with his young mate in tow behind him. The woman behind the table smiled at him, and he bowed to her.

“We have a donation to make…and I hope you put it to good use. There is plenty here, and it will last for quite some time.” Sadron said warmly, before offering her the bags of jewels and then wrapping his arm around the young redhead beside him. “You must be hungry.” He realized abruptly, before taking Daeron’s hand into his once again and heading out once more. “Come, we shall retrieve your pet and then we shall get some food for the both of you.”

It wasn’t hard to see how much his little elfling cared for this pet he spoke off, and Sadron would not refuse Daeron something that gave him comfort. “Show me where you are staying Little One, and we will gather both your things and your pet.” Sadron offered with a warm smile, motioning with his free hand for Daeron to take the lead. “And then you both could do with a warm meal…and more than just one.” He added, with another light kiss to the top of the soft red hair. “Are you scared of me Little One?” Sadron asked, tilting the beautiful face upward for a moment.

[W1nchester]

Daeron felt a little better about the situation since Kire could come with him to Lord Sadron's stellar home. He forced a smile at the tease, unsure of how to respond to that yet. And he tilted his head slightly as Sadron promised to never whip him. He was unsure what a spanking was, however. So he wasn't sure what would be worse, and he decided to not be entirely relieved just yet about that part of his situation.

He let Sadron kiss the top of his head and take his hand, following quietly behind him as he led the way through the merry streets to the charity shop. He bowed a bit awkwardly, not nearly as graceful as Sadron was. "Make good use of it." He agreed, before looking up at the elder elf as he realized that he was hungry.

He gulped as Sadron took his hand and then suggested that they retrieve his pet and find food for both of them. He figured Kire would be by his 'home' at the moment. He really didn't want to show Sadron where he lived, but he needed to get his loving, yet mangy pet.

He closed his eyes as Lord Sadron kissed his head and then tilted his face up. "Not afraid." He murmured in reply. "Just nervous. Come along. Kire is starving." He said, tugging on his hand, quickly changing the subject.

He led the Lord out of Rivendell and to the nearby forestry, chewing nervously on his lip. They arrived at what seemed to be a small, dingy camp. The 'tent' was a fur blanket draped over two logs. With two blankets underneath. A small fire was in front of the shelter, and Kire was curled up inside the tent.

"Kire." He said affectionately, and the dog immediately got up and limped over to him, obvious that a few of his paws were hurt. Daeron let go of Sadron and went to his knees, lovingly hugging the dog and petting it. "This is Lord Sadron." He explained gently, as if he could really speak with the dog. "Sadron, this is Kire."

[LadyLoki]

Sadron glanced around the area they had now entered, eyes darkening with sadness at the state his lovely mate had been living in. The tent would do nothing to protect against the cold, even with the two blankets underneath the makeshift tent. He then saw the little dog snuggled up beneath the blankets, before smiling slightly at how warm the little elfling was being with the adorable pup.

The tall elf knelt in front of the little dog, before offering his hand for Kire to sniff before gently petting the mangy fur. “You are a sweet little thing…but hurt…” Sadron said softly, before smiling. “It is good to meet you Kire…and I can promise you will find your new home much warmer than this.” He offered, before straightening.

“Come along Little One, it is time we head on back to the palace and get you both out of this cold. Your little pup needs some medical attention for those paws, and some food for the both of you.” Sadron explained, before slowly scooping up the dog into the warmth of his cloak.

He waited for his new mate to gather up everything he wanted to take, before ushering Daeron back with Kire firmly held in his arms. It took about twenty minutes to get back to the palace, and Elrond was waiting for him when he walked inside.

“And what is this Lord Sadron?” The lord of Imladris asked with a raised brow, examining the younger elf in front of him. Sadron didn’t say anything for a moment, before passing the squirming puppy to his newly found mate. He sighed, before kissing the top of Daeron’s head as a sort of comforting gesture.

“This is Daeron…my life mate.” Sadron explained with a small smile, wrapping his arm around the smaller elf’s shoulders. “We met by accident…the little one tried to steal from me.” He said, amusement leaking into his tone. “Kire here needs some medicine…and I shall return home tomorrow, with my mate.”