In the Middle of Middle-Earth

In the Middle of Middle-Earth

Chapter 11

Author: Frosty the Glo-Worm
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, Elrond, Eowyn, Elros, Haldir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Has evil come to the elves of Lorien? Can Legolas get control over his sister? Is Boromir not the coolest thing ever?!? R&R!
Author's Notes: Taking extreme creative license here: Aragorn and Arwen are married. Faramir and Eowyn are not together. Boromir is alive. Haldir is alive. All the hobbits are alive and well. Takes place after the defeat of Sauron. More notes as I think of them.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine! Who knew?!

*

Valawen smoothed the front of her dress as she stood at Elrond's door. After trying to block what Arwen said out of her mind, she found herself looking forwardthisthis meeting again. Licking her lips and taking a deep breath, she knocked on the wood.

She heard steps, then the door swung open slowly. Elrond smiled warmly. "Good evening, Valawen," he said, allowing her entry, "How are you tonight?"

Valawen watched as he closed the door and locked it. "I'm fine," she said. He clearly didn't know anything about Arwen's visit to her; his face showed no signs of concern. "How are you?"

He took her arm and led her to the table. "I'm very good," he said, sitting her down. He took a seat on the other end. "How was your day?"

She felt sharp pangs of nervousness stab at her abdomen. "Fine," she said, "I had lunch with Eowyn." She didn't know why she was feeling so withdrawn all of a sudden. For some reason, this whole thing was making her uncomfortable.

Elrond must've sensed that, because he stood again and went to her chair. "Will you come sit with me?" he asked. She stood up and he led her to the couch - the same place they had sat before. "What's wrong?" he asked, still holding her hand in his.

Valawen shook her head. "I don't know," she said, "Nothing really. I'm just...I don't know." She sighed at her inability to express herself.

"It's your first day back," he said, pressing a hand to her shoulder, "You have reason to be a little nervous."

Nodding, she looked up at him. She couldn't get enough of his eyes. They were always so open and welcoming...and very tempting. "I'll be alright," she breathed, looking over his face, "I just need...some time."

He removed his hand from her shoulder and traced his finger along her jaw. "You take as much time as you need," he whispered, leaning in and touching his lips to herslawelawen inhaled sharply and pressed back, feeling tears sting her eyes. She wanted this so badly.

Wrapping her hands around his shoulders, she pressed into him, trying to stimulate him into kissing her deepers. He met her touch and ran his tongue along her lips, asking for entry. She moaned quietly as his tongue moved into her mouth and sucked gently. Her head spun with the taste of him.

He pulled back slowly and rested his forehead against hers. "Do you want this?" he asked, tangling his fingers in her hair.

She rubbed smoothly at his shoulders and answered a breathy, "Yes," before he kissed her again, this time more heatedly. His tongue caressed hers roughly, and she whimpered when he stopped.

"Valawen," he said, "I want you to stay with me." His eyes searched her face wantingly. "But only if you want to stay."

Her heart skipped a beat as he said this, and a quiet rush of anxiety swept over her, but she couldn't deny the feelings of pleasure she was experiencing. "I want to stay," she said, initiating a kiss that was tender and generous.

Elrond sighed when he broke the kiss. Standing up, he held out a hand to her, and she took it. He led her to the bedroom, where the light was dim. Valawen had to wait a couple of seconds before her eyes adjusted, and when they did, Elrond sat her down on the bed. "I want to help you forget," he whispered, sitting down beside her and touching her face, "Will you let me?"

Valawen swallowed hard and nodded, her eyes nervous as Elrond began to disrobe her. She felt his fingers flutter against her skin as he worked at the buttons on her dress. Every touch sent a small chill through her body.

When he managed to open her top, he smoothed his palms over her skin and up her shoulders, pushing the dress from them. His hands felt hot against her bare skin, and she felt vulnerable with only her bra on her chest. When he leaned in and kissed her, though, her fears seemed to sink away. She met his mouth with a sigh and began to flush as his hands brushed along her body.

The only noises in the room were the quiet sighs from the two of them. Elrond kissed her hungrily as his hands slid the dress from her waist and Valawen shifted as he pulled it from under her and down her legs. She swallowed as he moved his palms along her thighs, sending shivers over her body.

Valawen grasped his arms as his hands took hold of her face and held her as they kissed. His tongue flicked over hers and he groaned heavily, making her press harder into him. He pulled away and slowly eased her down on the bed, dragging her legs up and sitting over her.

She felt exposed underneath him, even clothed in her underwear. She wished he would disrobe, too, so she wouldn't feel so naked. Biting her lip as he watched her, she closed her eyes as he ran his hand along her waist and over her hip.

"I want you to tell me what feels good," he whispered huskily, rubbing his palm along her abdomen. She nodded stiffly.

She arched slightly as Elrond pushed his hands under her and undid her bra. She bit her lip harder when the fabric loosened, and he pulled it from her arms. His hands moved from her body, and she opened her eyes to see him taking off some of his clothing, including his shirt. When he came back down to her, though, he was still wearing his pants.

He laid on the bed beside her and pulled her body towards him. "Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes dark as his fingers began tracinr skr skin again.

"Yeah," she choked, watching his eyes. She wanted to get lost in them. Maybe if she concentrated hard enough, she'd be able to live in them, and not have to feel anything out here.

She was jerked out of her concentration when he began massaging the sensitive centre of her breast. She whimpered and opened and closed her eyes slowly, grasping at the hem of his pants. She could hear him breathing heavily as he stroked her, licking his lips as he touched her body.

"Elrond," she breathed, not sure if it was said in pleasure or pleading. She wanted so much for this to be good, for it to be alright, but she could feel the anxiety rising up in her. It woo soo soon.

She tucked into him and lowered her head as his hand left her breast and travelled down her hip. "Lie still," he urged, as he moved his fingers under her pantied and began rubbing softly at the flesh underneath.

Valawen's legs tightened as he teased her, moving gently beneath her pelvis, never penetrating. She thought it would never end. The waves of pleasure his hand sent up her body made her sick with distress; she wanted him to either do it, or stop completely. She wasn't sure she could take the torment.

"Please," she whispered, her voice hoarse, and he complied to what he thought she wanted - he slowly pushed two fingers into her body. Whimpering against him, Valawen strengthened her hold on him and felt tears begin to sting her eyes.

"Is that good?" he asked, and for a second his voice sounded exactly like Elros'. It sent chills down her spine.

She breathed loudly and shallow, trying to fight back the pleasure and memories that threatened to overwhelm her. His fingers were moving farther into her now, thrusting lazily, and she bit her tongue to stop from crying out.

"Does that feel good, Valawen?" he asked again, pressing his fingers against her and making her moan out loud. She opened her eyes against his chest as the feelings swirling through her abdomen threatened to make her tears fall. It felt so good, but she was so scared of it.

The panic rose inside of her and she heard herself whisper a pained, "No," into Elrond's skin. She winced suddenly as his fingers stopped moving and withdrew from her body.

"Valawen?" he said, his voice concerned, "What did you say?" He tried to draw her face up to his, but she was determined to keep herself hidden.

When she didn't respond, he moved away from her body and sat up, pulling Valawen up gently by the arms. She covered herself and looked down, curling her legs into her body and feeling the tears trickle down her cheek.

"Look at me," he said gravely, "Did I hurt you?" She met his eyes briefly at that question, and held herself tighter.

"No," she uttered, "I'm okay." She didn't want him to think he had hurt her. She began to wish that she hadn't come at all this evening.

Elrond rubbed her arms softly and drew her body into a hug. "I'm sorry," he said, kissing the top of her head, "It was too fast. I'm sorry."

Valawen sniffed, feeling comforted by his warmth. "It's okay," she repeated, "I didn't tell you to stop."

She could feel him shake his head. "I should have known better," he replied, "Can you forgive me?" He began to rock her slowly, and she wiped roughly at her face, trying to clear away the evidence of her distress.

"Yeah," she breathed, not sure of what else to say, "I"m sorry, too."

"Don't be." He leaned back on the bed against the headboard, and drew Valawen down alongside him. He rubbed her back softly, and she closed her eyes at the heat. This felt better. She could handle this part. Knowing she was still nearly naked, she tucked into Elrond tightly, using him to shield herself from the cold. It felt good, just to lie there with him.

She knew they were there for quite a while, completely silent, while her mind worked furiously over the memories of the last week. Aragorn, Elros, Haldir,...Elrond...there was just so much. Her mind was so busy, she didn't realize when she cuddled into him and fell into a deep, troubled sleep.

*

When Valawen awoke, the sun was filtering through the windows onto the large, warm bed. She was still in Elrond's room. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and blinked into the light. He wasn't there. She was alone in the room.

Massaging her temple, she padded into the bathroom. She looked into the mirror and groaned. Puffy eyes, red skin, messy hair...and clothes. He had dressed her. She fingered the fabric of his nightshirt and stared at herself, wondering just how she had gotten herself into this situation. And how on earth she was going to be able to face him later.

She quickly washed her face and brushed her hair, determined not to stay any longer than necessary. She didn't want to be there when he got back. Grabbing her clothes, she didn't even bother to change before leaving the room. Her quarters were just down the hall, she could make it.

Closing the door as quietly as she could, she turned to make a run for her room when she smacked right into a very hard form. "Aw, ow," she said, holding her forehead, but quickly froze. Squinting against the light, she saw the very surprised and very unhappy face of her brother. Wincing and sighing, and looking around to make sure no one else was watching, she took a deep breath and plowed by him.

It only took a second before he was on her heels. "What the hell is going on?" he hissed, matching her pace. "Why were you in there? Why are you dressed like that?"

Valawen growled in frustration and anger. The one thing she didn't need right now was a nosey Legolas hounding her for details. "Leave me alone," she said, in what she hoped was a dangerous voice. She clenched her fists when he followed her into her room and slammed the door.

"I want to know what's going on here, Valawen," he shouted as she threw her dress on the bed and stomped into the bathroom. He charged up to the door and banged on it. "I'm not leaving till you tell me!"

"Fuck off, Legolas!" she yelled as she started the shower. At least she would be safe from him in there.

Getting into the warm water felt better than anything had in a long while. She made sure she spent as much time as she could washing herself, and just relaxing under the heat. It was over an hour before she emerged, and she knew her brother would be gone. He didn't have the patience to stick around for anything.

Toweling off her hair, she wrapped a housecoat around herself and stepped from the bathroom. She closed her eyes in exasperation when she saw Legolas sitting on the bed, looking like a scared and wounded puppy.

"Why are you still here?" she asked, pulling a clean dress out of her closet. She did her best to ignore his demeanor, but it was a little unsettling.

He didn't speak for minutes, and Valawen thought maybe he was just going to sit there and sulk. She changed in the washroom, and when she emerged he was staring at her, his eyes wide and bright.

She stood in the doorframe and waited for what he had to say. "I'm worried about you," he finally whispered, and it scared Valawen to hear his voice shake, "I don't know what's going on with you, and I'm frightened."

Valawen crossed her arms and sighed. "I'm fine, Legolas," she said, "You don't have to worry about me."

His eyes were shiny as he looked at her, and she felt herself cave in a little at that. "Then what are you doing?" he asked, "Why," he motioned to the door, "Why are you coming out of people's rooms...like that?"

She lowered her head and stared at the floor. How could she explain something to him that she herself didn't understand. "It wasn't supposed to be that way," she found herself saying, "It's not what it looks like."

Legolas laughed darkly. "Not what it looks like?" he said, shaking his head, "It looks like you were fucking Elrond. Were you?"

Valawen looked up, angry and flushed with embarrassment. "How dare you ask me that!" she spat, "That's not your business!"

He jumped up and approached her, leaning in close to her face. "It is my business," he hissed, "I am your brother! I care about you! You've just been beaten and raped by fucking psychos, and all of a sudden you're jumping into bed with a man old enough to be your fatheherehere is something wrong with that!"

She stared at him, scared to death by what he had said. Holding onto herself, willing herself not to break apart, she grit her teeth and said, "There is nothing wrong. Don't ever speak to me like that again." She walked by him and went to stand by the window. Looking out, she tried to see the gardens, but her thoughts kept getting in the way.

"I think we should go back to Mirkwood," said Legolas from behind her, and she shut her eyes tightly. His voice was soft and weak, and she knew he had been thinking about this. "I think it's best."

She turned to face him. "I don't want to go," she said, "I want to stay here."

He looked at her sadly and crossed his arms. "You need to deal with what happened to you, and you can't do that here. Not when you're acting like this."

Valawen was incensed. "Acting like what, Legolas?" she asked, stepping towards him, "A slut? Whore? What is it you think I'm acting like?"

His eyes became steely at those words. "You're irrational," he said, his voice shaking, "The Valawen I knew would be above this."

She frowned and shook her head. "Above what? God, Legolas, what is it you think I'm doing? Sleeping with whoever I can get my hands on? I didn't sleep with Elrond, alright? I wanted to, but I didn't!"

Whimpering in frustration, she rubbed at her eyes and took a deep breath. She was so tired of crying, but the tears still filled her eyes.

"Why do you want to?" he asked, his voice quiet, "After what happened, why do you want to?"

She uncovered her eyes and looked at him. "I care about him," she said, licking her lips, "I haven't been with anyone I care about. Or who cares about me."

It was uncomfortable speaking these things to him, but she knew he needed to understand. He wanted to protect her. "I don't think I can bear to see you hurt again," he said, rubbing her shoulder, "I just want you to be careful. Think about what you're jumping into."

Valawen took a deep breath and looked up at her brother with pleading eyes. "I know you just want what's best for me," she said, "But I'm not a child. I have to make my own decisions, even if they're the wrong ones. And even if you don't like them."

Legolas sighed and pulled her into a hug. "I know," he breathed, "It's just hard for me to watch you get hurt."

She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him tight. "Please just trust me," she said, "And be there for me if I need you."

He pulled away and looked down on her, smiling. "Always," he said, "But I can't promise I won't disapprove of the things you do." He winked lightly at that, and she grinned.

"And I can't promise you I'll care if you disapprove or not," she replied, poking him in the stomach, "Now, will you take me for breakfast?"

He held out an arm for her. "Of course," he said, "Don't talk to me about Elrond, though, okay? I need time to process that."

Valawen laughed.

*


TBC